Over the River and Through the Wood | Xmas Songs (Nik Bear)

Over the River and Through the Wood | Xmas Songs (Nik Bear)

 

The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores a Christmas adaptation of the beloved American poem "Over the River and Through the Wood." Originally written by Lydia Maria Child in 1844 as a Thanksgiving poem, this Christmas version transforms the journey to grandmother's house into a festive sleigh ride filled with holiday imagery. The adaptation weaves together traditional elements like sleigh bells, holly, and stockings with the spiritual essence of Christmas, creating a warm narrative of family gathering and seasonal celebration. Nik Bear Brown's reimagining preserves the nostalgic charm of the original while enhancing its yuletide relevance, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and Christmas storytelling traditions.

 

Over the river and through the wood To Grandmother's house we go The sleigh is packed with gifts and cheer For Christmas lights are aglow

Over the river and through the wood The carols and songs we hear The melodies ring as the joy they bring Fills hearts with Christmas cheer

Over the river and past the trees The starry sky shines bright The warmth inside and the Yuletide tide Make this a holy night

Over the river and through the snow The holly's on the door We gather around where the joy abounds With Christmas love in store

Over the river and to the fire Where stockings hang with care With stories to tell and the midnight bell The Christmas spirit's there

Over the river and through the snow The Christmas tree stands tall Its twinkling lights in the frosty night Bring joy to one and all

Over the river, the sleigh bells ring Their music fills the air With laughter and cheer we draw ever near To Christmas memories fair

Over the river, the church bells chime Proclaiming peace tonight We lift up our song as we ride along To greet the holy light

 

#LyricalLiteracy #ChristmasCarol #OverTheRiver #HolidayTraditions #PublicDomainAdaptation #ChristmasClassic #FamilyGathering #WinterWonderland #SleighRide #HolidaySongs

 

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Over the River and Through the Wood

Rewritten or adapted by Musinique's resident poet, Nik Bear Brown (https://www.musinique.com/nikbearbrown)

Historical Background: "Over the River and Through the Wood" was originally a Thanksgiving poem written by Lydia Maria Child in 1844, titled "The New-England Boy's Song about Thanksgiving Day." It was first published in Child's book "Flowers for Children, Volume 2." Child was an American abolitionist, women's rights activist, and novelist who also wrote popular cookbooks. The poem was later set to music and became a popular holiday song, with many variations adapting it for Christmas rather than its original Thanksgiving theme. The song describes a sleigh ride to visit grandparents for a holiday celebration.

Original Version: The original poem/lyrics by Lydia Maria Child are in the public domain and can be found in many traditional songbooks and historical archives. The original version speaks specifically about Thanksgiving and mentions grandfather's house rather than grandmother's. Many adaptations exist, making it one of the most flexible holiday songs in American culture.