There's smoke down by the river Hear the cannon and the drum I've got one thing to ask you honey Can you run?
You know I hate to ask so late But the moment's finally come And there won't be time to change your mind Can you run?
(chorus) Can you run, to the freedom line of the Lincoln soldiers? Where the contraband can be a man With a musket on his shoulder I've got to stand up tall before I'm done Wrap these hands of mine around a gun And chase the taste of bondage from my tongue Can you run? Can you run?
I'm takin nothin with me We've just got time to beat the sun And the boys in gray are never far away Can you run?
(repeat chorus)
There's smoke down by the river Hear the cannon and the drum And even if I die, I've got to try Can you run?