They're gonna build a Canal to lake Erie
They're gonna make a Canal out to the sea
We'll watch as they build to Erie
And all I gotta do is watch as they build to the sea

Well, I'll bet you it’ll cost lots of money
Might bankrupt the government, possibly
The Canal’s gonna make Clinton lots of money
Cause the funds are all gained privately

Well I hope they fix the problems in Missouri
With all the issues about slavery
Wonder if the state will be slavery or be free?
I sure hope they make some compromise in Missouri

Well, I’ll bet you it’ll cause lots of controversy
With all the issues with slavery
That are plaguing the territory of Missouri
I guess we’ll just have to sit back and see

You hear about the Panic of 1819?
The economy tanked when we thought ‘twas glowing
Now everyone’s poor and lowly
Just ‘cause of a Panic in 1819

Well I guess we’ll just have to see
If the 1800s bring prosperity and liberty
Or if they just gonna bring back controversy and tyranny
Guess we’ll just have to sit back to watch and see