American works. Its author is the black singer Paul Robeson.

In 1928, the first performance of the musical "Boat" was held in a theater in London, England. Paul Robeson, who played a black porter in the play, sang: "We are so painful and tired, we are both afraid of death and tired of life. But the Old Man River always flows through." That profound male voice The bass was full of touching power, inspiring bursts of thunderous applause, and the singer became famous in one fell swoop.

In 1937, a mass rally in support of the Spanish Republic was held in the UK. Robertson changed the lyrics of "Old Man's River" to "I will continue to fight optimistically until I die" to express It aroused people's calls for peace and justice and aroused deafening cheers from the crowd. This song, which reflects the tragic life of black Americans, quickly spread throughout the world and is often performed in concerts today.

After several revisions, the lyrics of "Old Man's River" are now: "Black people work on the Mississippi River. Black people work for white people to enjoy themselves. Black people work until they die without rest. From morning pushing the boat until the sun sets, the white foreman How vicious. Don't move to cause disaster. I bent down and lowered my head. I pulled up the rope and dragged the boat. Let me leave the white foreman quickly. Please tell me that place. I want to cross the ancient river. Jordan River. O Old Man River! You know everything, but you are always silent. You roll and flow. ”