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Follow the Drinking Gourd

When the sun comes back and the first quail calls

Tune: DRINKING GOURD
Published in 1 hymnal


Representative Text

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]


Source: Singing the Living Tradition #152

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Text Information

First Line: When the sun comes back and the first quail calls
Title: Follow the Drinking Gourd
Meter: Irregular with refrain
Source: African American traditional, c. 1750-1875
Language: English
Refrain First Line: Follow the drinking gourd
Copyright: Public Domain
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Notes

Many spirituals are code songs; this one is a mpa and timetable for the Underground Railroad

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Instances

Instances (1 - 1 of 1)
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Singing the Living Tradition #152

Singing the Living Tradition #152
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