There's smoke down by the river Hear the cannon and the drums 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? 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? 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? There's smoke down by the river Hear the cannon and the drum Even if I die, I've got to try Can you run? 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? Can you run? Can you run?