David Mason,

Since "Michael Row The Boat Ashore" is a folk song, there is no such thing as a "complete' set of lyrics.

I have read that this song is of Afro-Caribbean origin and I have also read that it is of African American origin. Since enslaved Black people from the Caribbean came to the USA and vice versa during those centuries of slavery, it's not surprising that both cultures claim this song..

I have also read that 'Michael Row The Boat Ashore" was sung as a religious song and also sung as a work song {while rowing a boat}.
And that wasn't uncommon..for the choruses, and verses of quite a few religous songs composed by enslaved Black people were also used for secular purposes {including secular dancing}.

Also David, might I suggest that you read Masato Sakurai's post on 22 Apr 03 - 02:35 AM In This Thread and click on the link that Masato provided to a thread whose subject is "Michael Row The Boat Ashore".

I believe that you will find the thread on "Michael Row.." interesting.

[And David, it's a good practice to read or at least scan all the previous posts in a thread-but we all have failed to do that sometimes].

Best wishes,

Azizi