The boatmen dance, the boatmen sing,
The boatmen up to ev'rything,
And when the boatman gets on shore
He spends his cash and works for more.

High row the boatmen row,
Floatin' down the river the Ohio.

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. . .  etc

I went on board the other day
To see what the boatmen had to say.
There I let my passion loose
An' they cram me in the callaboose.
O dance the boatmen dance. . .  

High row the boatmen row . . .   etc 

The boatman is a thrifty man, 
There's none can do as the boatman can.
I never see a pretty gal in my life
But that she was a boatman's wife.
O dance the boatmen dance. . .  

High row the boatmen row. . .  etc