Traditional - Lyrics from Capstan Bars, by David Bone
Oh! Was you ever in Mobile Bay?
Oh! roll the cotton down.
Where they loads th' cotton all the day.
Oh! roll the cotton down.
Oh! A dollar a day is hoosier's pay.
T' roll the cotton down.
An' ship for more is what they say.
Oh! roll the cotton down.
Oh! Rock them blocks an' make them cry.
We'll roll the cotton down.
Th' bloody topmast sheave is dry.
Oh! roll the cotton down.
Oh! Stretch your backs an' haul a-way.
Roll the cotton down.
An' make y'er port an' take y'er pay.
Oh! roll the cotton down.
I wish I had a tot o' rum.
And roll the cotton down.
I'll sing ye a song if you'll give me some.
Oh! roll the cotton down.
I'll sing ye a song if you'll give me gin.
Oh, roll the cotton down.
An' bowse that block right down t' th' pin.
Oh! roll the cotton down.
Oh! I wish John Salt would keep his luff.
An' roll the cotton down.
The beggar thinks we've hauled enough.
Oh! roll the cotton down.