Vocab Jam: Learn 10 New Words with the Classic Song “Ol’ Man River”

If you’re a fan of learning English with music, buckle up, because I’ve got a great song for you this week. Learn 10 new vocabulary words with the classic song “Ol’ Man River” from the musical Show Boat. If you want to test your listening, too, try using the song as a dictation and writing what you hear before you look at the lyrics!

Related: Want more listening practice? Try these 20 mini-dictations using phrasal verbs with take!

Related: Learn 29 advanced vocabulary words with the song “The Bells of Notre Dame”

Today’s Vocab Jam: “Ol’ Man River”

This is one of the most powerful songs in American musical history, both because of William Warfield‘s incredible voice, and because of the poignant lyrics. I’m so excited for you to listen to it, and learn a few new vocabulary words while you’re at it!

POIGNANT

There’s an old man called the Mississippi.
That’s the old man that I want to be.
What does he care if the world’s got troubles?
What does he care if the land ain’t free?

Ol’ Man River, that Ol’ Man River,
He must know something,
But don’t say nothing,
He just keeps rollin’,
He keeps on rollin’ along.

He don’t plant taters, he don’t plant cotton,
And them that plants ’em is soon forgotten!
But Ol’ Man River, he just keeps rollin’ along.

You and me, we sweat and strain,
Body all achin’ and racked with pain!
Tote that barge!
And lift that pail!
Get a little drunk, and you land in jail.

I get weary and sick of trying.
I’m tired of living
And scared of dying!
But Ol’ Man River, he just keeps rolling along!

THE MISSISSIPPI

TATER

STRAIN

ACHE

RACKED WITH PAIN

Similarly, you can be racked with guilt, racked with fear, or racked with self-loathing.

TOTE

BARGE

PAIL

LAND IN SOMETHING

WEARY

Related: Learn 11 new words with the song “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)”