Underground Railroad - Slaves Follow the Big Dipper

During the time of slavery in the United States, many slaves escaped to go north and seek their freedom. The Underground Railroad is the symbolic name given to the routes they traveled from safe house to safe house until they reached freedom. Music played a big role as songs gave coded instructions for the routes to follow and warned of dangers along the way. The songs also encouraged slaves to join the Underground Railroad; provided inspiration and support for the long journey north; and celebrated the end of a successful trip to freedom.

Escaping slaves did not have maps to guide them North.  Instead, they often relied on "map songs" which included coded words.  Those coded words provided directions.  One of the most famous songs was "Follow the Drinking Gourd." 

When the sun comes back and the first quail calls,
Follow the drinking gourd.
For the old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom,
If you follow the Drinking Gourd.
The river bank makes a mighty fine road,
Dead trees to show you the way,
And it's left foot, peg foot, traveling on
Follow the drinking gourd.

The river ends between two hills,
Follow the drinking gourd.
There's another river on the other side,
Follow the drinking gourd.
Where the great big river meets the little river,
Follow the drinking gourd.
For the old man is awaiting for to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd.

I thought I heard the angels say
Follow the drinking gourd.
The stars in the heavens
Gonna show you the way
Follow the drinking gourd.

What do you think about this codes? Do you think this way to scape is clever?

                                                                                

                                                                   Mariángel Ruedi