Following is a song traditionally performed by American school children during the Thanksgiving Holiday in November.

A Boy's Thanksgiving Day

  • 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-
  • 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!
  • This song originally appeared as a poem written by Lydia Maria Child. The poem appeared in Flowers for Chilren, Vol. 2 in 1844.


    Return to Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me a Map