“The Handcart Song,” Children’s Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220
Merrily
When pioneers moved to the West,
With courage strong they met the test.
They pushed their handcarts all day long,
And as they pushed they sang this song:
For some must push and some must pull,
As we go marching up the hill;
So merrily on our way we go
Until we reach the Valley-o.
Optional descant
Push and pull
As we go up the hill;
So on our way
Until we reach the Valley-o.
Words: Original text by John Daniel Thompson McAllister, 1827–1910; new verse by Lucile Cardon Reading, 1909–1982
Music: John Daniel Thompson McAllister, 1827–1910. Arr. © 1989 IRI
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