History and Background of Follow the Drinking Gourd

During the time of slavery in the United States, spirituals were more than just songs; they carried hidden messages and instructions for enslaved individuals seeking freedom. Follow the Drinking Gourd is one of the most well-known coded songs associated with the Underground Railroad. It is believed that the song was used to guide freedom seekers north to safety by following the Big Dipper constellation (the “Drinking Gourd”) toward the North Star.

The song is often linked to Peg Leg Joe, a legendary figure said to have been a sailor and an Underground Railroad conductor. According to folklorist H.B. Parks, who collected the song in the early 20th century, Peg Leg Joe was an abolitionist who traveled the South, teaching the song to enslaved people and marking escape routes to freedom. In popular history, he is associated with a pathway that led from Alabama to the Ohio River. However, there is no definitive historical evidence confirming his existence. Some scholars speculate that the story of Peg Leg Joe may have roots in the African mythical figure, Papa Legba. As his name suggests, Peg Leg Joe is traditionally depicted with a prosthetic leg.

Lyrics to Follow the Drinking Gourd

Follow the drinking gourd,
Follow the drinking gourd,
For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom,
If you follow the drinking gourd.

When the sun comes back and the first quail calls,
Follow the drinking gourd,
For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom,
If you follow the drinking gourd.

The riverbank makes a mighty 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.

Analyzing the Song’s Meaning

The lyrics of Follow the Drinking Gourd contain coded instructions for escaping slavery:

• “Drinking Gourd” – This refers to the Big Dipper constellation, which points to the North Star. Freedom seekers could use it as a natural guide toward the free states and Canada.
  
• “When the sun comes back and the first quail calls” – This likely refers to the best time to begin the journey: late winter or early spring, when the sun is higher in the sky and birds start their seasonal migration.
  
• “The riverbank makes a mighty good road” – Rivers were used as secret paths because they helped cover tracks and provided a source of water and food.
  
• “Left foot, peg foot, traveling on” – This could reference Peg Leg Joe himself, who may have left distinct footprints as a sign for people to follow.
  
• “The river ends between two hills” – Possibly a landmark directing escapees to the next step in their journey.

Classroom Activity: Writing a Journey Song

Now that students understand how Follow the Drinking Gourd guided enslaved people to freedom, they can create their own coded song to help someone navigate from school to home.

Activity Instructions:

1. Mapping the Route: Have students think about their route from school to home. What landmarks could they use? What turns do they take?
   
2. Choosing Symbols: Instead of street names, students should use natural or common symbols (e.g., “Follow the red brick road” instead of Main Street, or “When the church bells ring” instead of a traffic light).
   
3. Writing the Song: Encourage students to use repetition and rhyming, just like Follow the Drinking Gourd, to make their directions memorable.
   
4. Sharing and Singing: Have students share their songs with the class and discuss how hidden messages could help guide someone.

This activity not only reinforces the historical importance of coded messages but also allows students to connect history to their own lives in a creative way. By stepping into the shoes of those who used music as a survival tool, students gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and resilience of those who sought freedom.