Old man, I'm going up the Mississippi
Yes I am, yes I am
Old man, I'm going up the Mississippi
Yes I am, buddy, yes I am

I'm gonna sail on that Big Della Lee
Yes I am, yes I am
I'm gonna sail on that Big Della Lee, sir
Yes I am, buddy, yes I am
Yes I am, buddy, yes I am

Old man, will your dog catch a rabbit?
Take him an' try him
You can take him an' try him
Old man, will your dog catch a rabbit?
Take him an' try him
You can take him an' try him
You can take him an' try him, buddy
You can take him an' try him

Old man, will your horse tote double?
Take him an' try him
You can take him an' try him
Old man, will your horse tote double?
You can take him an' try him, buddy
You can take him an' try him
Old man, will your daughter take company?
I don't know, I don't know
Old man, will your daughter take company?
I don't know, buddy, I don't know

I'm gonna sail up the Mississippi river
Yes I am, yes I am
I'm sailin' up the Mississippi river
Yes I am, buddy, yes I am
Yes I am, buddy, yes I am

I'm gonna sail on that Big Della Lee, sir
Yes I am, yes I am
I'm gonna sail on that Big Della Lee, sir
Yes I am, buddy, yes I am
Yes I am, buddy, yes I am