You may tell them, father,
When you see them,
I’m a poor mourning pilgrim,
I’m bound for Canaan’s land;
You may tell them, mother,
When you see them,
I’m a poor mourning pilgrim,
I’m bound for Canaan’s land.

Chorus:

I weep, and I mourn,
And I move slowly on,
I’m a poor mourning pilgrim,
I’m bound for Canaan’s land.

You may tell them, brothers,
When you see them,
I’m a poor mourning pilgrim,
I’m bound for Canaan’s land;
You may tell them, sisters,
When you see them,
I’m a poor mourning pilgrim,
I’m bound for Canaan’s land.