When the sun goes back and the first quail calls
Follow the drinking gourd
The old man is waitin' for to carry you to freedom
Follow the drinking gourd. (Chorus)

The river bed 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. (Chorus)

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 the heavens gonna show you the way
Follow the drinking gourd. (Chorus)