Follow the Drinking Gourd
Guiding Stars: Unveiling the Hidden Path to Freedom in 'Follow the Drinking Gourd'
Lyrics
When the sun goes back and the first quail calls
Refers to a specific time, possibly evening, and signals the start of guidance.
Follow the drinking gourd
Directs the listener to follow the "drinking gourd," a code for the Big Dipper constellation used in the Underground Railroad.
There's an old man who's waitin to carry you to freedom
Introduces the idea of an old man who is ready to help individuals achieve freedom.
Follow the drinking gourd
Reiterates the instruction to follow the celestial guide, emphasizing its significance.
Follow the drinking gourd
Repetition of the guidance to follow the drinking gourd and the presence of the old man offering assistance.
Follow the drinking gourd
-There's an old man who's waitin
-To carry you to freedom
-Follow the drinking gourd
-Well the river bed makes a mighty fine road
Describes the riverbed as a suitable path, likely reflecting the difficulty of the journey.
Dead trees will show you the way
Indicates that dead trees serve as markers to guide the way through the difficult terrain.
Use the left foot, the peg foot, travel it on
Specific instructions on using the left foot and peg foot, suggesting caution and secrecy in movement.
Follow the drinking gourd
Reaffirms the importance of following the drinking gourd for guidance.
Follow the drinking gourd
Repetition emphasizing the continuous need to follow the celestial guide and the presence of the helpful old man.
Follow the drinking gourd
-There's an old man who's waitin
-To carry you to freedom
-Follow the drinking gourd
-Well the river ends between two hills
Describes the river ending between two hills, indicating a critical point in the journey.
Follow the drinking gourd
Reiterates the instruction to follow the drinking gourd even at this crucial juncture.
There's another river on the other side
Points to the presence of another river on the other side, possibly symbolizing the final leg of the journey.
Follow the drinking gourd
Reemphasizes the importance of the drinking gourd as a guide.
Follow the drinking gourd
Repetition stressing the continuous need to follow the celestial guide and the presence of the supportive old man.
Follow the drinking gourd
-There's an old man who's waitin
-To carry you to freedom
-Follow the drinking gourd
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