From this day on I own my father's gun
Dug his shallow grave beneath the sun
I laid his broken body down 'low the Southern land
What I'd do to bury him where any Yankee stands

I'll take my horse and I'll ride the northern plain
Wear the color of the greys and join the fight again
I will not rest until I know the cause is fought and won
This day on until I die I'll wear my father's gun

I'd like to know where the riverboat sails tonight
To New Orleans, well, that's just fine alright
'Cause there's fighting there and the company needs men
So slip us a rope and sail around the bend

As soon as this is over we'll all go home
Plant the seeds of justice in our bones
To watch the children growin' and see the women sewin'
There'll be laughter when the bells of freedom ring

I'd like to know where the riverboat sails tonight
To New Orleans, well, that's just fine alright
'Cause there's fighting there and the company needs men
Oh, slip us a rope and sail around the bend

I'd like to know where the riverboat, riverboat sails tonight
I'd like to know where the riverboat, riverboat sails tonight
I'd like to know where the riverboat, riverboat sails tonight
'Cause there's fighting there and the company needs men
Oh, slip us a rope and sail around the bend