my man's gone now, ain't no use in listening
for his tired footsteps, climbing up the stairs.
ah, oh,
old man sorrow's come to keep me company
whispering beside me when I say my prayers.
ah, oh,

ain't that I mind working
work and I are travellers
journeying together to the promised land
but old man sorrow's marching all the way with me,
telling me I'm old now since I lost my man
since I lost my man.

old man sorrow's sitting by the fireside,
lying all night long (oh) by me in the bed.
telling me the same thing morning, noon and evening,
that I'm all alone now since my man is dead.
ah,
since my man is dead.
ooohhhhooo...