[Verse 1]
There's smoke down by the river
Hear the cannon and the drum
I've got one thing to ask you honey
Can you run?

[Verse 2]
You know I hate to ask so late
But the moment's finally come
And there won't be time to change your mind
Can you run?

[Chorus]
Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers?
Where the contraband can be a man
With a musket on his shoulder
I've got to stand up tall before I'm done
Wrap these hands of mine around a gun
And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue
Can you run?
Can you run?

[Verse 3]
I'm taking nothing with me
We've just got time to beat the sun
And the boys in gray are never far away
Can you run?
[Chorus]

[Verse 4]
There's smoke down by the river
Hear the cannon and the drum
And even if I die, I've got to try
Can you run?

[Chorus]