Ol' Man River
Rhythmic Reflections: Ol' Man River's Timeless Tale
Lyrics
Ol' man river.
Referring to the Mississippi River as an old man.
That ol' man river.
Reiteration of the Mississippi River's age and enduring nature.
He don't say nothin'
Personifying the river, suggesting it remains silent.
he don't know nothing
Emphasizing the river's lack of knowledge or consciousness.
well he just keeps rollin'
Describing the continuous and relentless flow of the river.
He keeps on rollin' along.
Repetition for emphasis on the river's perpetual movement.
Rollin' along.
Reaffirming the persistent nature of the river's flow.
He don't plant tators
Stating that the river doesn't cultivate potatoes.
He don't plant cotton.
Indicating the river doesn't cultivate cotton either.
and them that plant them
Suggesting that those who do plant are easily forgotten.
are soon forgotten
Reiterating the river's relentless movement despite human endeavors.
well he just keeps rolling
Emphasizing the river's continuous rolling motion.
he keeps on rolling along
Repeating the idea of the river's persistent rolling.
You and I
Introducing a comparison between "You and I" and the river.
We sweat and strain.
Describing the toil and effort put into daily life.
Body all achin'
Expressing physical discomfort and pain associated with hard work.
And wracked with pain.
Highlighting the toll of labor on the body.
Tote that barge.
Commanding the physical act of carrying a barge.
Lift that bale.
Instructing to lift a bale, emphasizing manual labor.
Get a little drunk
Describing a coping mechanism, getting a little drunk.
And you land in jail.
Suggesting the consequences of alcohol, landing in jail.
I get weary
Expressing weariness and fatigue from life's struggles.
and sick of tryin'
Conveying a sense of exhaustion and frustration from trying.
I'm feared of livin'
Expressing fear of the challenges of living.
and I'm scared of dyin'
Conveying a fear of death and the unknown.
But ol' man river
Returning to the enduring nature of the Mississippi River.
He just keeps rollin' along.
Reaffirming the river's consistent and unyielding flow.
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