“The Story Behind “Over the River”
The Story Behind “Over the River and Through the Wood”
“Over the River and Through the Wood” was originally published in 1844 as a poem written by Lydia Maria Child. The poem was published in Child’s book of poems Flowers for Children, Volume 2, and was originally titled “The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day.” In time, Child’s poem was set to music by an unknown composer, and over the years many children have grown up singing the song in school or community holiday programs.
Traditionally “Over the River and Through the Wood” is sung as a Thanksgiving song, in which the original lyrics say, “Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!” rather than “Hurrah for Christmas Day!” Another lyrical change was that the original poem read “Grandfather’s house” rather than “Grandmother’s house.” The original poem also contained 12 verses.
In a behind the scenes video about the Choir’s new Hallelujah! album, which features “Over the River and Through the Wood,” associate director Ryan Murphy discussed his new arrangement of the song. He explained, “We did what’s called “asymmetrical meter” in it, which makes it feel like it’s a little bit off-kilter. … It was a lot of fun to do the arrangement.”
Choir director Mack Wilberg added, “One of the reasons that I thought that this might make a good selection for this concert is that the piece that followed it, which is by Prokofiev, ‘The Troika,’ there’s sort of a similarity in riding a sleigh and going through the woods.” And then he corrected himself with a laugh, continuing, “Wood—I always thought it was ‘Over the River and Through the Woods.’ I think everybody did but, I remember when I saw Ryan’s arrangement I said, ‘You’ve left the ‘s’ off of woods and he said, ‘No, this is correct.’” “I wanted to be true to the original in that respect,” added Murphy. (This conversation takes place starting at 11:29 in the video below.)
Over the River and Through the Wood (Original 12-Verse Poem)
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,
with a clear blue winter sky.
The dogs do bark and the children hark,
as we go jingling by.
Over the river and through the wood,
to have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, “Ting-a-ling ding!”
Hurray for Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river and through the wood—
no matter for winds that blow;
or if we get the sleigh upset
into a bank of snow.
Over the river and through the wood,
to see little John and Ann.
We will kiss them all, and play snowball
and stay as long as we can.
Over the river and through the wood,
trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound!
For ’tis Thanksgiving Day.
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—
Old Jowler hears our bells;
he shakes his paw with a loud bow-wow,
and thus the news he tells.
Over the river and through the wood—
when Grandmother sees us come,
she will say, “Oh, dear, the children are here,
bring pie for everyone.”
Over the river and through the wood—
now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!
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“On OUR Way to Grandma’s’ for Thanksgiving”
Everyone knows, that there is “ONE” day in the year… that we…the whole family will travel to Grandma’s house for that big day… for all the family to celebrate the best of dinner…that only GRANDMA will prepare!
In AMERICA, it seems to me, that no matter how often members of the family move from here to there… there is always a “BRIDGE” that we will have to cross … just to get to our GRANDMA’s house!
Through the years… it seems to me, that we always had to cross a “BRIDGE” or two on our journey… and so often… in my memories, some of those times …we would be driving for at least an hour! Over the years… some trips were a little longer and sometimes just a tad shorter, but no matter… we always were having lots of FUN on the way.
You are probably asking yourself, “HOW do you have FUN on a long drive with little children in the vehicle?”
You see that “BRIDGE” above?
As we would be driving and no matter what we were doing in the vehicle… as soon as we had the front tires on that BRIDGE, I would start singing…
Over the river and through the woods,
To grandmother’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 woods,
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 woods,
To have a first-rate play;
Oh, hear the bells ring, “Ting-a-ling-ling!”
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast, my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.
Over the river and through the woods,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow
It is so hard to wait!
Over the river and through the woods,
Now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!
Depending on how long that Bridge would be, we would sing so loud and with all of the gusto of our smiling and laughing, that we could muster up… as we were so wrapped up in having so much more singing to do and fun … all the while… as we are trying to outdo each other … until and when we would arrive at our GRANDMA’s house.
Never did we sing all verses to the song… as there are not that long of a BRIDGE to drive over, and with the speed that we travel today, in and around any of the places where we have ever lived.
So… and since “Thanksgiving Day” is coming up soon…why not start trying to sing the above song with all the family in the vehicle…and see for yourself and family… if you have as much fun as we have.
Remember to start singing when the vehicle is about to go onto the “Bridge” … the “DRIVER” will usually start… and then… no matter what word you are singing…when the end of the BRIDGE is under the tires of the vehicle… stop singing…even with just a half of a word in your mouth…that is when you will all start to laugh… seeing each other’s faces with just a partial word of the song about to come out… and the song… never ever finished!
“Have lots of FUN this year while traveling to Grandmother’s house to celebrate Thanksgiving!”
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“UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY”
On November 10th, The United States Marine Corps Birthday commemorates the establishment of the Continental Marines.
The United States Marine Corps, a branch of the United States Armed Forces, is responsible for providing power protection from the sea. They use the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. The Continental Congress first established the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775, leading up to the American Revolution. Two battalions of Marines fought for independence both on land and at sea.
The birth of the U.S. Marine Corps began as a way to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War.
The recruiting headquarters was in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines.
The Corps was abolished at the end of the Revolutionary War. However, on July 11, 1798, Congress ordered the creation of the Corps. Congress named it the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy.
Marine Corps Presence
The USMC shares many resources with the other branches of the United States military. However, the Corps has sought to maintain its own identity with regards to mission, funding, and assets while utilizing the support available from the larger military branches. Despite having fewer installations than other branches, the Marine Corps maintains a presence on many Army posts, Naval stations, and Air Force bases.
In his birthday greeting more than 70 years ago, General Alexander Vandegrift, our 18th Commandant noted that “A birthday is a fitting time to peer backward – and forward.” That year, Marines reflected on an extraordinary year in combat during their amphibious drive across the Pacific. Despite the challenges and the horrific conditions, Marines prevailed at Guam, Saipan, and Peleliu. On 10 November 1944, Marines looked back with pride on their accomplishment – confident in their ability to meet future challenges.
In 2004, 20,000 Marines deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq – many Marines celebrated the birthday in places like Fallujah, Ramadi, and Al Qaim while decisively engaged in combat. That year, Marines also responded to the crisis in the Pacific following a tsunami claiming the lives of more than 200,000 people. On 10 November 2004, Marines looked back with pride on their accomplishments – confident in their ability to meet future challenges.
Some things change. Marines adapt. Their organization, training, and equipment change to the operating environment. However, some things remain the same. Marines continue to attack challenges with the same courage, commitment, loyalty, self-sacrifice, and adaptability as their predecessors in Peleliu and Fallujah. On 10 November 2014, Marines looked back with pride on our accomplishments- confident in our ability to meet future challenges.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MarineCorpsBirthday
If you know a Marine, thank them for their service. Attend Marine Corps Birthday celebrations. Use #MarineCorpsBirthday to post on social media.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY HISTORY
In 1921, General John Archer Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, initiated the tradition of publishing a reminder of honorable service to all Marine commands on the anniversary of the Corps’ birth.
Since then, the United States Marine Corps members have honored the establishment of their military branch every year by republishing General Lejeune’s reminder. Gradually, they added balls and banquets to the birthday celebration.
The first formal dance took place in 1923 at the Ft. Mifflin Marine Barracks in Pennsylvania. Other events include mock battles, sporting events, and races.
In 1925, the historic Benjamin Franklin Hotel hosted the first formal Marine Ball. The ball honored the 150th birthday of the Marine Corp. General Lejeune and Secretary of War Dwight Davis attended.
Commandant, General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. brought even more tradition to the warriors, always faithful and always loyal to each other, their country and their traditions. Beginning in 1952, the formal cake cutting ceremony began. During the ceremony, the first piece goes to the oldest Marine present and the second piece to the youngest. This tradition is still practiced today.
“I also signed up to join the Marines while I was in College… in the late 1950’s!”
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“Little Miss Ruby, herself… the Toe Dancer”
If this does not look like, little Miss Ruby… that is our little Miss Ruby, herself… doing just what she always does… gives everyone a nice big hug and kiss!
And… I do believe… that, as I am looking at this PHOTO of our little Miss Ruby…”she just may become a very fancy “TOE DANCER” … if, I say so… myself!”
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“Receiving More LIKES for DENNY’s Best Smile”
“Remembering the – “BEST SMILE” – ever!”
My brother, DENNY – just finished his journey… here on earth… he left this morning – early – for a much better reward in Heaven… to be with his – CREATOR – forever.
When… DENNY – was approaching the pearly gates… everyone could hear Saint Peter…calling out – so nice and loud for all to come and welcome “DENNY” – – because … everyone was telling each other… here is “RED” … you know the “guy” with the “BEST SMILE” – he has the winning smile – his sister, Mary Ellen – she told the whole world – that “DENNY”…with the best shade of red hair … and that big “SMILE” – he will go far and above everyone else – – he gets the top spot – up here!
“The above photo is just added proof of the pudding… “DENNY” my younger brother – he just has that “winning smile” – you can see – if and when you are smiling … the whole world will smile with you … even your own sweet , little bundle of “JOY”… you are so happy… all I can say is – to smile and be happy…is good medicine … for all of us to remember – that is that “Million Dollar SMILE” in my book!
“DENNY” – we will be remembering “you” forever … and I know we will all be together – the dates are not clear… but soon.
“Just caught this PHOTO… and took notice… we are standing in the same position… as we are in the above Photo… what do you think”
“There is nothing like a big smile… even if the “Sunshine” is just too bright…. and right in our eyes!” D.V.
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“NATIONAL HARVEY WALLBANGER DAY”
National Harvey Wallbanger Day on November 8th recognizes a fruity and spirited cocktail made with 3 parts vodka, 1 part Galliano and 6 parts orange juice. Pour it into a highball glass and garnish it with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
In 1968 at a chili tasting in San Diego, hosts served Harvey Wallbangers along with a story explaining the cocktail’s origin. According to the story, all that remained of a Laguna Beach party included vodka, Galliano, and orange juice. When the party-goers left, Harvey remained, banging his head against the wall.
Donato ‘Duke’ Antone
However, accepted lore three-time-world-champion bartender, Donato ‘Duke’ Antone, deserves the credit for the cocktail’s invention. He operated Duke’s Blackwatch Bar on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Over the years, Antone collected quite a few credits for famous beverages. As a bartender, his resume was impressive – inventor of the Rusty Nail, White Russian, and Flaming Russian. According to the bartending wizard, in 1952, a surfer named Tony Wallbanger inspired the cocktail. Perhaps, the party in Laguna Beach is a version of Antone’s. However, no one has been able to identify the inspirational surfer.
Harvey Wallbanger remained a quiet little secret in the San Diego area until around 1968. Then George Bednar, a marketing director for McKesson Imports Company (the maker of Galliano), joined up with graphic artist Bill Young. Their marketing campaign launched a Harvey Wallbanger character that exploded into commercial popularity in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Harvey Wallbanger is the name and I can be made! ~ 1969 Galliano marketing slogan
The drink’s name became a metaphor to describe someone who goofs off or makes mistakes. When politicians or sports figures find themselves in compromising positions, they may earn the name Harvey Wallbanger. And it’s also interesting to note that voters write in Harvey Wallbanger at election time.
HOW TO OBSERVE #HarveyWallbangerDay
Call some of your friends to get together. Meet them at your local bar, and everyone orders a Harvey Wallbanger. Raise your glasses and toast a Happy National Harvey Wallbanger Day!! (Remember always to drink responsibly and never to drink and drive). Use #HarveyWallbangerDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL HARVEY WALLBANGER DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this spirited holiday.
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