Weekly Poem

Miss Osberg and I were discussing this poem and how we have fond childhood memories of the words and the tune. I went searching for the original lyrics and the music.

I have been playing this song for the students for the last few days and even though it is far from Justin Bieber, they like it and have asked me to play it more than once.


Over the River (A Boy's Christmas)


Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather's house we go;
the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.
Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather's house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for 'tis Thanksgiving Day.
Over the river, and through the wood-
oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
as over the ground we go.
Over the river, and through the wood
and straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow-
it is so hard to wait!
Over the river, and through the wood-
when Grandmother sees us come,
She will say, "o, dear, the children are here,
bring a pie for every one."
Over the river, and through the wood-
now Grandmothers cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!



~ Lydia Maria Child
   1844