Standard (EADGBE)

There's an old man called the Mississippi

That's the old man that I wants to be

What does he care if the world's got troubles

What does he care if the land ain't free

Ol' Man River, that Ol' Man River,

 he don't say nothin', but he must know somethin',

 he just keeps rollin', he keeps on rollin' along.

 He don't plant tatters, and he don't plant cotton,

 and them what plants em, are soon forgotten

 But Ol' Man River, just keeps rollin' along.

You and me, we sweat and strain,

body all achin' and racked with pain.

Tote that barge and lift that bail,

 you get a little drunk and you lands in jail.

I gets weary, and sick of trying,

 I'm tired of livin', but I'm scared of dyin',

 but Ol' Man River, he just keeps rollin' along.