High row the boatmen row,
Floatin' down the river in a big bateau,
The boatmen dance, the boatmen sing,
The boatmen up to ev'rything,
When the boatman gets on shore
He spends his money and works for more.
Then dance the boatmen dance,
O dance the boatmen dance.
O dance all night 'til broad daylight,
And go home with the gals in the mornin'.
High row the boatmen row,
Floatin' down the river in a big bateau,
De oyster boat should keep to de shore,
De fishin' smack should venture more.
De schooner sails before de wind,
De steamboat leaves a streak behind.
Then dance the boatmen dance,
O dance the boatmen dance.
O dance all night 'til broad daylight,
And go home with the gals in the mornin'.
High row the boatmen row,
Floatin' down the river in a big bateau,
I went on board de odder day
Just to see what de boatman had to say;
An dar I let my passion loose
An' dey kept me in de calaboose.
Then dance the boatmen dance,
O dance the boatmen dance.
O dance all night 'til broad daylight,
And go home with the gals in the mornin'.
High row the boatmen row,
Floatin' down the river in a big bateau,
I've come dis time, I'll come no more,
Let me loose, I'll go ashore;
For dey whole hoss, an' dey a bully crew
Wid a hoosier mate an' a captain too.
Then dance the boatmen dance,
O dance the boatmen dance.
O dance all night 'til broad daylight,
And go home with the gals in the mornin'.