Refrain:
Follow the drinking gourd,
follow the drinking gourd,
for the old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom,
follow the drinking gourd.

1 When the sun comes back and the first quail calls,
follow the drinking gourd.
The old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom,
follow the drinking gourd. [Refrain]

2 Now the river bank makes a mighty good road,
the dead trees will show you the way.
Left foot, peg foot, traveling on,
follow the drinking gourd. [Refrain]

3 Now the river ends between two hills,
follow the drinking gourd.
There's another river on the other side,
follow the drinking gourd. [Refrain]