When the sun goes back
And the first quail calls
Follow the drinking gourd
The old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd

[Chorus]
Follow the drinking gourd
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd

The riverbed makes a mighty fine road
Dead trees to show you the way
And it's left foot, peg foot traveling on
Follow the drinking gourd

The river ends between two hills
Follow the drinking gourd
There's another river on the other side
Follow the drinking gourd

[Chorus]

I thought I heard the angels say
Follow the drinking gourd
The stars in heaven gonna show you the way
Follow the drinking gourd