When the sun comes back, when the first quail calls
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd

Well, the riverbank is a mighty good road
Dead trees show you the way
Left foot, peg foot, travelling on
Follow the drinking gourd

Follow the drinking gourd
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd

Well, the river ends between two hills
Follow the drinking gourd
There's another river on the other side
Follow the drinking gourd

Where the little river meets the great big one
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd

Follow the drinking gourd
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd