Lyrics

The river is up and the channel is deep,
The wind is steady and strong.
Oh won’t we have a jolly good time as we go sailing along.
Down the river, oh down the river, oh down the river we go.
Down the river, oh down the river, oh down the Ohio.

Folk song & folk dance

  • step in four steps, out four steps, clap twice (at end of phrase)
  • cross right shoulder and change sides, clap twice (end of phrase)
  • first couple sashays down the alley, others clap on beat
  • second-couple sashays down the alley
Variation: first couple goes down the alley in the method they wish (crawl, walk backwards, skip, etc.) Second couple must copy.

Links

The following content is available below to Plus Members:

  • PDF includes:
    • Song with chords
    • Orff arrangement
    • Recorder Countermelody – notes G,A,B,D’
  • MIDI file
  • MP3