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? Old man river, That old man river He must know sumpin' But don't say nuthin', 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! Get a little drunk 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 just keeps rollin' along