O, the river is up and the channel is deep
And the wind blows steady and strong
Let the splash of your oars the measure keep
As we row the old boat along

O, the water is bright and flashing like gold
In the rays of the morning sun
And old Dinah's up away out of the cold
And getting the hoecake done

O, the river is up and the channel is deep
And the wind blows steady and strong
Let the splash of your oars the measure keep
As we row the old boat along

Down the river, down the river
Down the Ohio
Down the river, down the river
Down the Ohio

O, the mason is proud of the old broadhorn
For it brings him a plenty of tin
O, the crew they is darkies, the cargo is corn
And the money comes tumblin' in

There is plenty on board for the darkies to eat
And der's something the drink and to smoke
Der's the banjo, the bones and the tambourine
Der's the song and the comic joke

O, the river is up and the channel is deep
And the wind blows steady and strong
Let the splash of your oars the measure keep
As we row the old boat along

Down the river, down the river
Down the Ohio
Down the river, down the river
Down the Ohio