Ol' man river, that ol' man river
He must know something, but don't say nothing
He just keeps rolling
Keeps on rolling along

He don't plant taters, he don't plant cotton
But them that plants 'em is soon forgotten
Ol' man river
Keeps on rolling along

You and me we sweat and strain
Body's aching and wracked with pain
Tote that barge, lift that bale
Get loaded gonna land in jail

I get weary, sick of trying
I'm tired of living and feared of dying
Ol' man river
Just keeps rolling along