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Two Slaves talking)
A: Can you trust that old man?
B: Sure, he's Peg Leg Joe. Lotta slaves know about him.
A: Well, do you understand that little song he's teachin' us?
B: Yeah, it's really a secret map! Like a code so the white people don't notice it.
A: Is this the time we try to escape?
B: Yeah, we should run for it tonight and hope the dogs don't catch us.

(Chorus)
Follow the drinking gourd
Follow the drinking gourd.
For the old man is waiting to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd.

When the sun comes back, and the first quail calls
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is waiting to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd.

(Chorus)

The riverbank makes a very good road
The dead trees will show you the way
Left foot, peg foot, traveling on,
Follow the drinking gourd

(Chorus)

The river ends between two hills,
Follow the drinking gourd.
There’s another river on the other side,
Follow the drinking gourd.

(News Report)
In the latest news from Alabama, a Plantation has reported 2 more slaves have apparently escaped. Local authorities believe they received help from the North. There are rumors of a secret map, but no one has been able to fine such a document. The master of the plantation is puzzled since his slaves are kept illiterate. Also, the only entertainment that the slaves are allowed is singing songs while they work.

When the great big river meets the little river,
Follow the drinking gourd.
For the old man is waiting to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd.

(Chorus)

(News Report)
This is a special news report from Washington D.C. Now that the American Civil War has ended, the latest numbers of escaped slaves from 1830 to 1861 are out. Officials estimate that 60,000 to 100,000 slaves successfully fled to freedom. This was made possible by members of the Underground Railroad, a secret network of abolitionists and others who provided food, safe houses, and transportation for the freedom seekers. Information was often provided in hidden code disguised in songs.