Ol' Man River
Frank Sinatra
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Music by Jerome Kern
from the album The Unheard Frank Sinatra-Radio Rarities 1943-1949 Volume 3,
Vintage Jazz Collection CD VJC-1030-2
from the show Show Boat 1927 (S)
This version was sung at the Hollywood Bowl in 1945
"This apparently seems to be a Jerry Kerns red-letter day in the way of songs. And, by the way, I don't think it could happen to a nicer guy. Here is a, a very wonderful Jerome Kern tune with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. One of the greatest American songs we have today. I think you'll agree with me. From the production, "Showboat". We hope you like "Ol' Man River."
Here we all work 'long the Mississippi
Here we all work while the white folk play
Pullin' them boats from the dawn till sunset
Gettin' no rest till the judgment day
Don't look up and don't look down
Ya don't dast make the white boss frown
Bend your knees and bow your head
And pull that rope until you're dead
Let me go 'way from the Mississippi
Let me go 'way from the white man boss
Show me that stream called the River Jordan
That's the old stream that I long to cross
Ol' Man River, that Ol' Man River
He must know somepin', but he don't say nothin'
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 is soon forgotten
But Ol' Man River, jest keeps rollin' along
You and me, we sweat and strain
Bodies all achin' and wracked with pain
Tote that barge and lift that bale
Ya get a little drunk and ya lands in ja-ail
I gets weary and so sick of tryin'
I'm tired of livin', but I'm feared of dyin'
And Ol' Man River, he just keeps rollin' along
source: Robin Hood
(
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