SONG

Follow the Drinking Gourd

Illustration of a night sky with many stars, including the Big Dipper
A Traditional Song
Follow the drinking gourd!
Follow the drinking gourd!
For the old man is a-waiting for to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd.
5 When the sun comes back and the first quail calls,
Follow the drinking gourd.
For the old man is a-waiting for to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd.
In Other Words

  • a-waiting for to carry waiting to take

  • quail bird

Background Note

A gourd is a hard-shelled fruit. Some dry gourds can be used like a cup. The pattern of stars called the Big Dipper looks like a drinking gourd. People can use the Big Dipper to find their way north at night because it points to the North Star.

Before You Move On

  • 1. Metaphor What do you think the “old man” represents in this song?

  • 2. Mood The mood of a song is the feeling the writer gives it. What is the mood of this song?