"Ol' Man River" is a famous song from the 1927 musical Show Boat, written by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The song reflects the struggles and hardships faced by African American workers along the Mississippi River, symbolizing the passage of time and the enduring nature of life. The song is sung from the perspective of a riverboat worker, expressing feelings of weariness and resignation. It highlights themes of inequality and the relentless flow of the river, which continues regardless of human suffering. "Ol' Man River" has become an iconic piece of American music, often performed in various styles.