Hymns are probably the Mormons' greatest and most lasting contribution to Utah music. However, other kinds of songs also appeared. Many Mormons wrote about their own experiences, as George A. Hicks did in his song, "Once I Lived in Cottonwood." The popular song narrates the difficulties of settling in southern Utah, as a few of its verses show:
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I feel so weak and hungry now, there's nothing here to cheer
Except prophetic sermons which we very often hear.
They will hand them out by dozens and prove them by the book--
I'd rather have some roasting ears to stay at home and cook.
I feel so weak and hungry now, I think I'm nearly dead;
'Tis seven weeks next Sunday since I have tasted bread.
Of carrot tops and lucerne greens we have enough to eat--
But I'd like to change that diet off for buck-wheat cakes and meat.
I brought this old coat with me about two years ago,
And how I'll get another one, I'm sure I do not know.
May providence protect me against the cold and wet;
I think myself and Betsy, these times will not forget.
My shirt is dyed with wild dockroot, with greasewood for a set;
I fear the colors all will fade when once it does get wet.
They said we would raise madder, and indigo so blue,
But that turned out a humbug, the story was not true.
_________________________________________________________
Born in Chingeracy, Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Buried on July 3, 1926
George, your poems written when you were living in Washington City were read to me in 2nd grade and it began a love of local history. Your poems made pioneer life real for me.
_________________________________________________________
I feel so weak and hungry now, there's nothing here to cheer
Except prophetic sermons which we very often hear.
They will hand them out by dozens and prove them by the book--
I'd rather have some roasting ears to stay at home and cook.
I feel so weak and hungry now, I think I'm nearly dead;
'Tis seven weeks next Sunday since I have tasted bread.
Of carrot tops and lucerne greens we have enough to eat--
But I'd like to change that diet off for buck-wheat cakes and meat.
I brought this old coat with me about two years ago,
And how I'll get another one, I'm sure I do not know.
May providence protect me against the cold and wet;
I think myself and Betsy, these times will not forget.
My shirt is dyed with wild dockroot, with greasewood for a set;
I fear the colors all will fade when once it does get wet.
They said we would raise madder, and indigo so blue,
But that turned out a humbug, the story was not true.
_________________________________________________________
Born in Chingeracy, Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Buried on July 3, 1926
George, your poems written when you were living in Washington City were read to me in 2nd grade and it began a love of local history. Your poems made pioneer life real for me.
Hymns are probably the Mormons' greatest and most lasting contribution to Utah music. However, other kinds of songs also appeared. Many Mormons wrote about their own experiences, as George A. Hicks did in his song, "Once I Lived in Cottonwood." The popular song narrates the difficulties of settling in southern Utah, as a few of its verses show:
_________________________________________________________
I feel so weak and hungry now, there's nothing here to cheer
Except prophetic sermons which we very often hear.
They will hand them out by dozens and prove them by the book--
I'd rather have some roasting ears to stay at home and cook.
I feel so weak and hungry now, I think I'm nearly dead;
'Tis seven weeks next Sunday since I have tasted bread.
Of carrot tops and lucerne greens we have enough to eat--
But I'd like to change that diet off for buck-wheat cakes and meat.
I brought this old coat with me about two years ago,
And how I'll get another one, I'm sure I do not know.
May providence protect me against the cold and wet;
I think myself and Betsy, these times will not forget.
My shirt is dyed with wild dockroot, with greasewood for a set;
I fear the colors all will fade when once it does get wet.
They said we would raise madder, and indigo so blue,
But that turned out a humbug, the story was not true.
_________________________________________________________
Born in Chingeracy, Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Buried on July 3, 1926
George, your poems written when you were living in Washington City were read to me in 2nd grade and it began a love of local history. Your poems made pioneer life real for me.
_________________________________________________________
I feel so weak and hungry now, there's nothing here to cheer
Except prophetic sermons which we very often hear.
They will hand them out by dozens and prove them by the book--
I'd rather have some roasting ears to stay at home and cook.
I feel so weak and hungry now, I think I'm nearly dead;
'Tis seven weeks next Sunday since I have tasted bread.
Of carrot tops and lucerne greens we have enough to eat--
But I'd like to change that diet off for buck-wheat cakes and meat.
I brought this old coat with me about two years ago,
And how I'll get another one, I'm sure I do not know.
May providence protect me against the cold and wet;
I think myself and Betsy, these times will not forget.
My shirt is dyed with wild dockroot, with greasewood for a set;
I fear the colors all will fade when once it does get wet.
They said we would raise madder, and indigo so blue,
But that turned out a humbug, the story was not true.
_________________________________________________________
Born in Chingeracy, Ontario, Ontario, Canada
Buried on July 3, 1926
George, your poems written when you were living in Washington City were read to me in 2nd grade and it began a love of local history. Your poems made pioneer life real for me.
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