Our Forefather's Song

The place that we live is a wilderness wood
Where grass is much wanting that's fruitful and good
Our mountains and hills and our valleys below
Are oftentimes covered with ice and with snow

When the northwest wind with violence blows
Every man pulls his hat over his nose
If any prove hearty and would it withstand
They forfeit a finger a foot or a hand

The clothes we brought with us are apt to be thin
And wool is much wanting to card and to spin
If we can find garments to cover withour
Our other in garments are clout upon clout

The clothes we brought with us are apt to be torn
And need to be clouted soon after their worn
But clouting our clothing it hinders us nothing
Clouts double are warmer than single whole clothing

For pottage and pudding and custards and pies
Pumpkins and parsnips are common supplies
Pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon
If it were not for pumpkins we'd soon be undone

If barley be wanting to make into malt
We must be contented and think it no fault
We can make liquor to sweeten our lips
With parsnips and walnuts and walnut tree chips

So you whom the Lord intends hither to bring
Forsake not the honey for fear of the sting
Bring both a quiet and well ordered mind
All needful blessings here you will find.