The Mississippi River may be the most musical river in the entire world! Drum songs, folk songs, blues and jazz were all created and recreated along its banks. Musicians have been truly prolific not only in the sheer volume of works about the river, but by the need to create entirely new musical styles just so they could describe their feelings about themselves and the river.
There are many interesting stories about and unique people along the Mississippi River, some of which have inspired ‘Songs of the Mississippi River’. These songs reflect the eight educational themes presented by the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Play these songs; sing along to them, dance to them, be inspired by them! More importantly, come down to the river and consider taking an active role in caring for its future.
Background on Our River Songs
Charlie Maguire, was hired by the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area to be the "Singing Ranger." He worked for the NPS until Fall 2003, writing and performing songs about the Mississippi River and the people that have been--and continue to be-- affected by its many faces. Here we present some of Charlie's song along with the lyrics and stories that mirror Charlie's message.
Use the controls on each of the players to listen to or download the files.
Roll River Journey
Follow the River
Credit / Author:
"Roll River Journey" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1998-National Park Service
Refrain Roll, river journey! Roll, river journey, roll! Roll, river journey! Take me where you're bound to go! (Repeat)
Verse 1 Callin you on a journey! Rambling river Mississippi! Her sad, sweet, singing sounding through the air! Roll, river journey, roll!
Refrain
Verse 2 Come on down to the river! Hurry brothers and sisters! Her long, lost loving lingers everywhere! Roll, river journey, roll.
Refrain
Verse 3 She'll make you a believer! We belong to the river! Her wandering water waiting just down there! Roll, river journey, roll!
Tag Her wandering water waiting just down there! Her long lost loving lingers everywhere! Her sad, sweet singing sounding through the air! Roll, river journey roll!
Refrain
Great Mississippi
Learn where the Mississippi River starts and ends, where it gets its water, and the rock strata that makes up its banks as it rolls through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Credit / Author:
"Great Mississippi" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1998-National Park Service
Born everyday at Itasca Over Saint Anthony Falls She rolls through the heart of this country She rolls through the hearts of us all
Chorus She's the Great Mississippi She's a winding road Every turn, every bend Will bring you back again For a story told
She is a wide-shouldered river Taking the Rockies high mountain snow And the soft spring rains of Virginia Along with her as she goes
Rolling over Saint Peter Sandstone Twisting down Glenwood Shale Bearing down on Platteville Limestone For 12,000 years she's been there
She's the "Rio Escondido" The "Sassagoula", the "Mee-zee-see-bee" She has a river of names from her people Twenty-four-hundred miles to the sea
Light the River
On moonless nights the river's twists and turns were especially treacherous for navigation. The only safeguards against disaster were kerosene lamps dotting the riverbanks maintained by federal government employees. One of these post-light keepers was Jane Muckle Robinson, who started working on the river in 1885. She married Robert Robinson and moved to what is now the city of South St. Paul and began a career with the United States Department of Commerce and Labor that would last a lifetime maintaining these lights.
Rowing on the water, Pulling on the oar. Jane Robinson "post light keeper" Along the Mississippi River shore. Rowing on the water, To shine a light On "Big Muddy" for all who study His tarnished silver highway through the night.
Refrain Light the river, show your light until the break of day. Now, Jane, light the river. Then we'll be on our way.
Rowing on the water Spring flood to fall Four lights showing whether clear or blowing From Dayton Bluff to South Saint Paul. Rowing on the water River woman, Jane Bend your back in service to the brightest, purest Government specified clear, white, flame
Refrain Light the river, show your light until the break of day. Now, Jane, light the river. Then we'll be on our way.
Rowing on the water, Pulling on the oar. Old Man River is sneaking on to join the shadows on the shore.
Rowing on the water Like the river, Jane Before the fireflies shine in the evening time. Before the sun goes down and leaves us blind. Before the stars come out into the sky this is what the pilots say. Before a big snag catches our poor boat. Before a sandbar lifts us to high to float. Before the river grabs us by the throat Like the river, Jane.
Refrain Light the river, show your light until the break of day. Now, Jane, light the river. Then we'll be on our way. Light the river, show your light until the break of day. Now, Jane, light the river. Then we'll be on our way. Then we'll be on our way. Then we'll be on our way.
Reverend Hickman's Hands
Religion and the Underground Railroad on the Mississippi River.
Credit / Author:
"Reverend Hickman's Hands" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1997-National Park Service
Reverend Hickman's Hands Words and Music by Charlie Maguire
Verse 1 Reverend Hickman's hands were those of a working man, Swinging a hammer and splitting rail by the light of day, Reverend Hickman's hands were those of a preaching man. At night they built a boat to take the pilgrims away.
Chorus Oh Pilgrim, Run to the river! Run to the river! Run to the river! The river in prayer, Oh Pilgrim, Run to the river! Run to the river! For Freedom! Freedom! Freedom waiting there!
Verse 2 Reverend Hickman's hands were those of a fearless man, When the cry went out they were long,long gone. Reverend Hickman's hands were those of a preaching man. No man, no woman, no child will ever get caught.
Chorus
Oh stories say they built a boat, Glory on the River! Raft of logs, anything that floats, Glory on the River! Jefferson City, they did go, Glory on the River! Underground, underground railroad. Glory on the River! War Eagle they hooked a ride, Glory on the River! Towed or rode on the riverside, Glory on the River! Up the Mississippi to St. Paul, Glory on the River! Founding Congregation one and all, Glory on the River! Glory on the River! Glory on the River!
Chorus
Verse 3 Reverend Hickman's hands were those of a river man. Down the wide Missouri up the Mississippi too. Reverend Hickman's hands were those of a preaching man. And he guided on the Bible and the river to see him through!
Chorus Oh Pilgrim, Run to the river! Run to the river! Run to the river! The river in prayer, Oh Pilgrim, Run to the river! Run to the river! For Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Freedom waiting there!
Pierre Bottineau
Follow Pierre Bottineau as he bridges two cultures.
Credit / Author:
"Pierre Bottineau" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1995-National Park Service
Verse A man of the old roads, the River and the Trail, He was hard as stone. Clear Sky Woman's Child, The Nations claimed as their own, Lakota French, Ojibwe, he was at home, or else he was living wild.
Refrain Sing it high, sing it low, Sing it where the River goes for Pierre Bottineau. Chantez Oh Pierre Bottineau,
Verse A man of the old ways Of the buffalo coat And the Calumet Outside of cabin walls And in the fire-dancing night. He whispered to her the stories of his days In the language of the river falls.
Refrain Sing it high, sing it low, Sing it where the River goes for Pierre Bottineau. Chantez Oh, Chantez Oh, Chantez Oh Pierre Bottineau,
Bridge Traveling like woodsmoke Up and down the country. Following the drum song in his heart and the church bells of St. Anthony.
Verse A man of the old times Who could read the future. And the buffalo sign With equal fluency, In this sainted land Named by Galtier and the native bands He held clearly to both memories.
Refrain Sing it high, sing it low, Sing it where the River goes for Pierre Bottineau. Chantez Oh, Chantez Oh, Chantez Oh, Pierre Bottineau.
First Nations
Learn about the Native Americans that lived along the Mississippi River in what was to become the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Credit / Author:
"First Nations" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1998-National Park Service
Verse Heard about her in a song, read about her in a book, Go to the river bank yourself and take a look.
Refrain Go down, take a look at that river, Go down, I'll introduce you to her, Big River Mississippi, she surely is a friend of mine.
Verse Big River Mississppi is wide and fair, But behind a city she gets lost down there.
Refrain Go down, take a look at that river, Go down, I'll introduce you to her, Big River Mississippi, she surely is a friend of mine.
Bridge Oh, Big River Missisippi, I found my home. Graceful as dancer when I wake up in the morning she's my longtime pal. It's true, we met the same way. I'm telling you
Verse If you can't see her, even driving slow Pull over and park, go down and say hello. Verse
Refrain Go down, take a look at that river, Go down, I'll introduce you to her, Big River Mississippi, she surely is a friend of mine.
Bridge Oh, Big River Missisippi, I found my home. Graceful as dancer when I wake up in the morning she's my longtime pal. It's true, we met the same way. I'm telling you
Verse In 1988 the Congress did say "She's a national river, she ought to stay that way."
Refrain Go down, take a look at that river, Go down, I'll introduce you to her, Big River Mississippi, she surely is a friend of mine. Big River Mississippi, she surely is a friend of mine.
Old River
The Mississippi River has a timeless entity.
Credit / Author:
"Great Mississippi" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1995-National Park Service
Verse You went where ever you wanted to go in a time of your own. In a time of your own. Wind and water, Earth and sky were all that you lived by.
Refrain Old River, before you had a name, You ran your own way, a rambling. Old River, before you had a name, You were the name for traveling.
Verse You were whatever you wanted to be In a time of your own. In a time of your own. Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall Never really changed you at all.
Refrain Old River, before you had a name, You ran your own way through the seasons. Old River, before you had a name, You were the name for leaving.
Verse You went wherever you wanted to go In a time of your own. In a time of your own. Shallow and wide, narrow and deep On your own way to the sea.
Refrain Old River, before you had a name, You ran your own way through the seasons. Old River, before you had a name, You were the name for leaving.
You were the name for leaving.
Falling Water
The nature of the Mississippi River is one that is always changing, a living thing. A mighty waterfall is known by many names and the cities that grew along her meandering path.
Credit / Author:
"Great Mississippi" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1998-National Park Service
Verse Mississippi she's a changing river. Don't let her easy going fool you. Cities have risen where she's gone, and she don't stay in one place for very long.
Verse Mississippi, she's a working river. Don't let her graceful beauty fool you. She's milled timber for a million houses, roof and walls, Milled a million wheatfields, for bread on the table for them all.
Refrain At her falling waters, You know, she's a mighty river. At her falling waters. Call her Owahmenah, Call her St. Anthony.
Bridge Mississippi she's a living river. Falling waters, Owahmenah. Once you've heard her fifteen miles away. Seventy-five feet high, miles and miles from where she is today.
Verse Mississippi, there are legends in the river. Don't let her peaceful manner fool you. She's been in every kind of story that's ever been told Light and dark, new and old.
Refrain At her falling waters, You know, she's a legendary river. At her falling waters. Call her Owahmenah, Call her St. Anthony.
Refrain At her falling waters, You know, she's a mighty river. At her falling waters. Call her Owahmenah, Call her St. Anthony.
Call her Owahmenah, Call her St. Anthony.
Pilot Daddy
Join a tow captain and crew on a tow pushing barges on the Mississippi River.
Credit / Author:
Words and music by Charlie Maguire. 1995 National Park Service.
Verse 1 There's a tow coming upbound keeping to the red, Taking all nine feet. Your Pilot Daddy gonna get you out of bed, Sitting in the high seat. Ready with your steel toes, Lace them in the dark, One hand for the boat now.
Your Pilot Daddy he was born to bark This ain't no Romeo
Refrain And you're all going out to show Just how much a line deckie don't know, Swap Now! Trade up the rigging Daddy's on the radio Swap Now! Your can hear him singing, "One, Two, Three, Four, Puzzle out that tow."Oh...
Verse 2 A barge ain't nothing but a hole in the water For moving the Midwest. Your Pilot Daddy has no papers on one, So he's talking to the office. When e bumps, You move as quick as you can. One hand for the boat now, Your Pilot Daddy he is going to keep you safe, He's got the know-how.
Refrain And you're all going out to show Just how much a line deckie don't know, Swap Now! Trade up the rigging Daddy's on the radio Swap Now! Your can hear him singing, "One, Two, Three, Four, Puzzle out that tow."Oh...
Verse 3 Two boxes on the stem, Three rakes on the head, Notch on the portside. Your Pilot Daddy is making his bread, Watching how it all rides. There's a tow coming upbound, Keeping to the red Taking all nine feet. Your Pilot Daddy is going to get you out of bed, Sitting in the high seat.
Refrain And you're all going out to show Just how much a line deckie don't know, Swap Now! Trade up the rigging Daddy's on the radio Swap Now! Your can hear him singing, "One, Two, Three, Four, Puzzle out that tow. Swap Now!
Trade up the rigging Daddy's on the radio Swap Now! Your can hear him singing, "One, Two, Three, Four, Puzzle out that tow.
Fishing River
Many fish swim in the Mississippi River, including many of which are not familiar to most.
Credit / Author:
"Great Mississippi" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1995-National Park Service
Refrain M - I - double S - I double S - I- P - P - I That's a good fishin' river to try. M - I - double S - I double S - I- P - P - I That's a good fishin' river to try.
Verse Paddlefish, Rock Bass, Bowfin, Channel Cat, Short-Nose Gar. Smallmouth Bass, Shovel Nose Sturgeon, They aren't very far.
Refrain M - I - double S - I double S - I- P - P - I That's a good fishin' river to try.
Verse I'm going to take my time With my hook and line, Trying to put on a show. And if we ge nothing, We're sure to catch something. Watching the River flow.
Refrain M - I - double S - I double S - I- P - P - I That's a good fishin' river to try.
Verse Quillback, Shorthead Redhorse, Bigmouth Buffalo, Mooneye, Walleye, Freshwater Drum. Don't you want to go?
Refrain M - I - double S - I double S - I- P - P - I That's a good fishin' river. Oh, yeah! That's a good fishin' river. That's a good fishin' river to try.
Pass the Bowl
Finding and harvesting wild rice on the Mississippi River from a canoe.
Credit / Author:
"Great Mississippi" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1998-National Park Service
Pass the bowl, oh Pass the bowl. Oh River. Pass the bowl. Pass the bowl, oh Pass the bowl. Oh River. Pass the bowl.
The wild rice tall and slender Growing in quiet water. The canoe will bring it closer, Pass the bowl. The rice is like a treasure, a gift from the river, Around the world to the cook and baker. Pass the bowl. Pass the bowl. Oh, pass the bowl, Oh, river pass the bowl. Oh, pass the bowl, Oh, pass the bowl. Oh, oh river, pass the bowl.
Out in the fields The wheat has risen, Planted by machines in rhythm To the weather and the season. Pass the bowl. This grain is like a treasure. Take it down upon the river, Around the world to the cook and baker, Pass the bowl. pass the bowl.
Oh, Pass the bowl, Oh, River, Pass the bowl. Pass the bowl. Oh, Pass the bowl, Oh, River, Pass the bowl. Pass the bowl, Oh, Pass the bowl, Oh, oh river, pass the bowl.
Rising Tide
Rising Tide presents a more ominous side of the river. For thousands of years, the river has pulsed with the annual cycle of high water in Spring and low water in Fall. Occasionally, that high water devastates the farms, towns and cities that line the Mississippi's banks.
Credit / Author:
Words and music by Charlie Maguire. 1997 National Park Service.
Lyrics Hard winter, frozen ground No place for Spring to go down No where to go, no where to hide When the river wants to ramble on the rising tide
Chorus Rising tide, on the high water Rising tide, on the riverside Rising tide, on the high water Get yourself down to the river wide There's high water coming on the Rising Tide There's high water coming on the Rising Tide
Miles an hour, rolling in flood Making miles a day over muscle and blood Tears and Sweat can only provide Higher water for the rising tide
Bridge You can't stop her, no no! Rising up, on her own Running hard, bound to go On the Rising Tide! You don't know her anymore Something you've never seen before Deep and wide, on the Rising Tide! On the Rising Tide!
River, river, changing plans Rising to reclaim her lands Taking history for a ride On high water and the Rising Tide
Rivertown
Celebrating life in a rivertown.
Credit / Author:
"Rivertown" Words, Music, Arrangement by Charlie Maguire 1998-National Park Service
Verse Come on down, down to the river with the water shined up for today. Flowing all night, got me feeling all right, Like a beating heart rolling the hours away. Now we're ready to go to celebrate this show To finally see what's always been around. Reminding me and you what has always been true, That we're living in a Rivertown.
Refrain Oh, oh, living in a Rivertown. Oh,oh, living in a Rivertown. No more to turn my back, going to follow that track, To the River, I'm agoing down, To spread the word that is bound to be heard, living in a Rivertown.
Verse Going to jump down, turn around Listen to the river sound Where it all began, A highway, byway, up above a flyway Long before anything was built by hand. Now we're ready to go, to celebrate this show To finally see what's always been around, Reminding me and you what has always been true, That we're living in a Rivertown. Oh, we're living in a Rivertown. Oh, living in a Rivertown.
No more to turn my back, going to follow that track, To the River, I'm agoing down, To spread the word that is bound to be heard, living in a Rivertown.
Verse Come on down, down to the river with the water shined up for today. Flowing all night, got me feeling all right, Like a beating heart rolling the hours away. Now we're ready to go to celebrate this show To finally see what's always been around. Reminding me and you what has always been true, That we're living in a Rivertown.
Oh, living in a Rivertown. Oh, living in a Rivertown.
No more to turn my back, going to follow that track, To the River, I'm agoing down, To spread the word that is bound to be heard, living in a Rivertown. To spread the word that is bound to be heard, living in a Rivertown.
National River
Saving the Mississippi River takes many hands.
Credit / Author:
"National River" Words, Music, Arrangement, by Charlie Maguire 1998-National Park Service
Great Mississippi in the "U.S.A." Old Man River Rollin' away. If everybody here will take a stand, We'll bring this "National River" back again.
Refrain And it takes a lot of hands to care for the River And it takes a lot of voices "Great Mississippi" to protect her name. Takes a lot of heart To love a river, To bring this "National River" back again.
Verse Great Mississippi "Red, White, and Blue" Eagles are flying Over the water too if everybody here Will make a friend We'll bring this "National River" back again.
Refrain And it takes a lot of hands to care for the River And it takes a lot of voices "Great Mississippi" to protect her name. Takes a lot of heart To love a river, To bring this "National River" back again.
Verse Great Mississippi From end to end She's "National River" "All American" If everybody here Will a stand We'll bring this "National River" back again.
Refrain And it takes a lot of hands to care for the River And it takes a lot of voices "Great Mississippi" to protect her name. Takes a lot of heart To love a river, To bring this "National River" back again. To bring this "National River" back again.
Last updated: September 29, 2021
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
111 E. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 105
Saint Paul,
MN
55101
Phone:
651-293-0200
This is the general phone line at the Mississippi River Visitor Center.
