There's an old man called the Mississippi That's the old man I don't like to be What does he care if the world's got troubles? What does he care if the land ain't free? That old man river That old man river He must know sumpin' But don't say nothin' He just keeps rollin' He keeps on rollin' along He don't plant taters He don't plant cotton And them that plants 'em is soon forgotten But old man river He just keeps rollin' along You and me, we sweat and strain Body all achin' and racked with pain Tote that barge, and lift that bale You show a little grit And you lands in jail But I keeps laughin' Instead of cryin' I must keep fightin' Until I'm dyin' And old man river He'll just keep rollin' along