Ol' Man River
Robeson Paul Lyrics

Ol' man river
The river has existed for a long time and represents an enduring force.

That ol' man river
The river is personified as an old man who has witnessed many things over the years.

He don't say nothing
The river is silent and does not communicate with people directly.

But he must know something
Despite his silence, the river seems to understand more than people realize.

Cause he just keeps rolling
The river continues to flow steadily, regardless of what is happening around it.

He keeps rolling along
The river's journey is continuous and unending, unlike human life.

Rollin' along
The river's movement is the main focus of its existence, and it is always moving forward, without pause.

He don't plant tators
The river does not engage in the same activities as people, such as farming.

He don't plant cotton
The river has no interest or investment in the crops that people grow along its banks.

Them that plants 'em is soon forgotten
Despite the hard work that people put into planting crops, their efforts are ephemeral and easily forgotten over time.

But ol' man river
Despite not participating in human activity around it, the river continues to be a constant presence in people's lives.

He keeps rolling along
The river's continuity is something people can rely on, even when everything else seems unpredictable.

You and me
The song addresses the struggles of common people, those who work along the river and depend on it for their livelihood.

We sweat and strain
The work along the river is difficult and requires physical effort.

Body all aching
The intense labor causes physical pain and fatigue.

And wracked with pain
In addition to physical pain, the workers also experience emotional pain and hardship.

Tote that barge
The workers are responsible for transporting goods up and down the river, often with little rest or support.

Lift that bale
The workers' tasks are repetitive and physically taxing.

Get a little drunk
The workers often turn to alcohol as a means of coping with their difficult lives.

And you land in jail
However, relying on alcohol can also lead to negative consequences and punishment.

I gets weary
The constant struggle of life along the river causes the singer to become tired and worn out.

Sick of trying
Despite their efforts, the workers are unable to change their situation or improve their lives significantly.

I'm tired of living
The hardships of life along the river make the singer question the value of living at all.

Feared of dying
Despite the difficulties of life, the singer is still afraid of death and what may come after.

But ol' man river
The river serves as a reminder of the continuity of life, despite the trials and hardships that people face.

He's rolling along
The river continues to flow steadily, and life goes on, even in the face of adversity.