Song Add: Ode to the Pioneers (Mormon folksong)

Subject: Lyr/Tune Add: ODE TO THE PIONEERS (trad. Mormon)
From: Jon W.
Date: 01 Apr 98 - 05:33 PM

This song was apparently composed by the second-generation Mormon emmigrants to Utah, in tribute to their pioneer parents. The tune is that of the "The Old Oaken Bucket." Since that song appears in the database without a tune, I have included the ABC for it. The tune is also used for another hymn popular in the LDS Church called "Do What Is Right."

ODE TO THE PIONEERS
Mormon Folksong

How dear to my heart are the pioneer mem'ries
The yellow sunflowers that swayed in the breeze.
The willows that grew by the stream running gaily,
A morning wild sage and the cottonwood tree.
The oxen were yoked to the plow bright and early,
The children assisted in planting the corn.
In fancy I feel now the breeze softly blowing,
And hear the birds singing today nearly born.

How peaceful the valley, how purple the mountains,
How happy the hearts of those brave Pioneers.
The Father had led them through trials and troubles,
Through wrongs and through hardships,
Through heartaches and tears.
To the mountains He led them and gave of His wisdom,
They planted the seed and the harvest they earned.
They toiled and they trusted, His blessing was promised,
And faith in their bosoms increasingly burned.

We'll sing of their courage, their faith, their endurance,
Our voices we'll raise to the blue arching sky.
Our hearts swell with gladness, we honor their mem'ry,
We love them the more with each year passing by.
All honor and glory, stout hearts of our fathers,
Toil hardened their hands in the battle for bread.
What words can express to them our admiration,
Dear Pioneer Parents both living and dead.

All glory and honor, beloved pioneer.

X:1
T:The Old Oaken Bucket (Ode To The Pioneers)
M:3/4
L:1/4
Q:100
K:G
|: D|B3/2 A/2 G|B3/2 A/2 G|A3/2 G/2 A|B G G|G F E|D G B|A3/2 G/2 A|G2 :|
D|D D D|E D D|D D D|G D D|D D D|B3/2 A/2 G|F G #C| D2 D|
B3/2 A/2 G|B3/2 A/2 G|A3/2 G/2 A|B G G|G F E|D G B|A3/2 G/2 A|G2

Subject: RE: Song Add: Ode to the Pioneers
From: Jon W.
Date: 01 Apr 98 - 06:05 PM

The composer of the above tune is shown as "Woodworth" on the music I used to enter it. The DT credits Samuel Woodworth as one of the authors to Old Oaken Bucket.

Subject: RE: Song Add: Ode to the Pioneers (Mormon folksong)
From: GUEST,M.R. Stabler, Music director, Highland Park,
Date: 25 Aug 19 - 02:49 PM

In the 1949 Second Edition of the "Pioneer Songs" compiled by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, the lyrics for the song, "Ode to the Pioneers," is credited to Annie Malin who it states "Words written by Annie Malin as a tribute to Pioneer parents and used by special permission of Author."