The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SONG-WORK

OH THE BOATMEN DANCE AND THE BOATMEN SING
AND THE BOATMEN DO MOST ANYTHING
WHEN THE BOATMEN COME TO SHORE
THEY SPEND THEIR MONEY AND THEN WORK FOR MORE.

REFRAIN
HI HO THE BOATMEN GO UP AND DOWN THE RIVER ON THE OLD BIYOU
HIHO THE BOATMEN GO UP AND DOWN THE RIVER ON THE OLD BATEAU.

DID YOU EVER SEE WHERE THE BOATMEN LIVE
IN A HOUSE IN A HOLLOW WITH A ROOF LIKE A SIEVE
BOATMEN SAYS IF HE GETS ONE WISH
IF HE GETS MUCH WETTER HE'S GONNA BE A FISH.
REFRAIN

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-20-1969