Follow the drinkin' gourd, a traditional folk song, sung by Patricia Cummings

Follow the Drinkin' Gourd

a traditional folk song sung by Patricia Cummings

A book entitled, Rise Up Singing, a compilation of folk songs, lists this song as being an adaptation of a Spiritual called, "Follow the Risen Lord." Whether or not the song existed, at the time of the Underground Railroad, is being disputed by Joel Bresler, who is still investigating this topic. See his site: http://www.followthedrinkinggourd.org/

The song appears to be a nostalgic look back at the account that slaves were guided by the Big Dipper, in their journey North.

An interesting article by Ben Windham appears in the Tuscaloosa News on
(2-11-07). He discusses Joel Bresler's site, and Joel's opinion that the lyrics were written by Lee Hays. In a private e-mail to me on February 14, 2007, Joel states that the authors of Hidden in Plain View correctly attribute the collection of the song to a white Texan folklorist named H.B. Parks. For more information, read the news article on the web:

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/2007702110382

So that you will know which version of the tune we are speaking about, my rendition is offered here. One verse has been left out.