Over the River and Through the Woods

U.S.A.

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

Over the River and Through the Woods is an American folksong, originally published as a poem by Lydia Maria Child in 1844. This song is often associated with Thanksgiving, as mentioned in the lyrics, but may also be changed to “Christmas Day” for singing at Christmas time. This tune works well as a group movement game for young children, and also as a singing or instrument playing activity.

Additional Verses:

Over the river and through the wood and straight to the barnyard gate

We seem to go so very slow and it's so hard to wait,

Over the river and through the wood, now grandmother's cap I spy.

Hurrah for the fun, the pudding's done, hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Over the river and through the wood, now soon we'll be on our way,

There's feasting and fun for every one, for this is Thanksgiving Day,

Over the river and through the wood, get on, my dapple grey,

The woods will ring with songs we sing, for this is Thanksgiving Day.

AUDIO RECORDING with words FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING: 

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