I apologize for the confusion, but the song you mentioned, "Old Man River," is actually a classic American song from the 1927 musical "Show Boat" by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. It has been covered by numerous artists, including James Taylor. The lyrics describe the character of the Mississippi River, symbolized as an old man. The narrator admires and longs to be like him, as the river seems unaffected by the troubles of the world and the lack of freedom in the land. The river just keeps rolling along, regardless of what happens. The song also reflects on the hardships and struggles faced by people, using the metaphor of the river. It highlights the laborious tasks of planting crops like potatoes and cotton, stating that those who do the work are often forgotten. The repetition of "He keeps on rollin', he just keeps rollin' along" emphasizes the river's constant motion, displaying resilience despite difficulties. The lyrics further address the similarities between the narrator and the river, both experiencing physical pain and weariness. The mention of "tote that barge, lift that bale" references the demanding tasks of labor, and sometimes turning to alcohol might lead to trouble and ending up in jail. The narrator expresses feeling tired of trying and being scared of dying. Overall, the song portrays the Mississippi River as an enduring force in comparison to the struggles and transience of human life. It serves as a commentary on the resilience of nature and the ongoing challenges that people face.
