Singing the Living Tradition ‎#152

152. Follow the Drinking Gourd

Refrain:
Follow the drinking gourd,
follow the drinking gourd,
for the old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom,
follow the drinking gourd.

1 When the sun comes back and the first quail calls,
follow the drinking gourd.
The old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom,
follow the drinking gourd. [Refrain]

2 Now the river bank makes a mighty good road,
the dead trees will show you the way.
Left foot, peg foot, traveling on,
follow the drinking gourd. [Refrain]

3 Now the river ends between two hills,
follow the drinking gourd.
There's another river on the other side,
follow the drinking gourd. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: When the sun comes back and the first quail calls
• Title: Follow the Drinking Gourd
• Refrain First Line: Follow the drinking gourd
• Meter: Irregular with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men: Freedom
• Source: African American traditional, c. 1750-1875
• Notes: Many spirituals are code songs; this one is a mpa and timetable for the Underground Railroad

Tune Information

• Name: DRINKING GOURD
• Meter: Irregular with refrain
• Key: e minor or modal
• Source: African American traditional, c. 1750-1875