In reading this story and engaging in a fun learning activity, young readers will build reading skills, develop critical thinking skills, and make connections between characters in stories and real people.

• Slavery: the practice of owning people as property.
• Underground Railroad: secret routes and methods that slaves took to escape to freedom.

Artist – Leon Bibb: Recorded Fall 1962, as part of Harry Belafonte’s monumental “Long Road to Freedom” project. It was not released until 2001.

*Note that this is the only version based directly on the Parks original. Leon’s son Eric has also recorded a version of the song.

http://www.followthedrinkinggourd.org/Music/5-Bibb,Leon.FollowTheDrinkingGourd.mp3

Lyrics

When the Sun comes back
And the first quail calls
Follow the drinking gourd,
For the old man is a-waiting for to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd

The riverbank makes a very good road.
The dead trees will show you the way.
Left foot, peg foot, traveling on,
Follow the drinking gourd.

The river ends between two hills
Follow the drinking gourd.
There’s another river on the other side
Follow the drinking gourd.

When the great big river meets the little river
Follow the drinking gourd.
For the old man is a-waiting for to carry to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd.

Draw an illustration inspired by the book or song, “Follow the Drinking Gourd.”

Underground Railroad Maps:

• https://www.loc.gov/item/75696204/
• https://www.loc.gov/item/75696205/