Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)

Subject: Lyr Go My Son
From: Lilly
Date: 18 Mar 98 - 08:19 PM

I am so excited to find this site!!! Right now I am looking for the words to a song I learned as a child. The first line is "Go my son, go and climb the ladder" and the last verse goes:

Upon the ladder of an education,
You can work to help your Indian Nation,
Then reach, my son,
And bring your people up with you.

It is a simple song, but it would mean a lot to me to be able to sing it again. I have been learning and collecting folk music all of my life, and I am so happy to know so many others are trying to preserve this incredibly important part of our history.

In case anyone is interested, I play the flute (well), the recorder (sort-a well) and the piano (badly). I also have an autoharp, but could really use some help with it to get it past just cording and strumming.
Keep a song in your heart - Lilly

Subject: RE: Lyr Go My Son
From: Jon W.
Date: 19 Mar 98 - 10:56 AM

Welcome to Mudcat, Lilly. I remember a song with the line "go my son, get an education" from when I lived down near the Navajo reservation in the Four Corners area in the 1960's. I'm pretty sure it was from materials put out by the LDS Church for their Indian seminary program. Sorry, I don't know any other of the words.

Subject: RE: Lyr Go My Son
From: Alice
Date: 20 Mar 98 - 05:06 PM

Hi Lilly, I am also interested in knowing how to use the autoharp for more than just strumming chords, so I am going to start a new thread on the subject. Welcome to the Mudcat! Alice in Montana

Subject: Lyr Add: GO MY SON (C Burson, A N Williams)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 08:08 PM

here's the lyrics if you're still interested

GO MY SON
(C Burson, A N Williams)

Go my son, go and climb the ladder.
Go my son, go and earn your feather.
go my son, make your people proud of you.

work my son, get an education.
work my son, learn a good vocation
Climb my son, go and take a lofty view.

From on the ladder of an education.
You can see to help your Indian nation.
Reach my son, and lift your people up with you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 09:03 PM

The lyrics submitted by Guest are by Carnes Burson and Arlene Nofchissey Williams; song of the BYU Student Service Association and the Native American student body at Brigham Young University.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 02:16 PM

Can anyone tell me who "Go my son" is by??? I remember a couple years ago my dad was listening to it and it also had a song call I walk in beauty on it. If you could please help me that would be great!!!! Thank you

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 02:19 PM

Do you mean who recorded it?

~S~

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Zuni
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 02:39 AM

I remember this from my own childhood also. We were exchange students to California, and this is such a beautiful song, I'm so glad to hear that this song means so much to many people.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 09:56 AM

GO MY SON is sung by Kansas K. Begaye on "Beauty of the Spirit," 2004.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,me
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:03 AM

It was recorded by Carnes Burson & Arlene Nofchissey Williams and it has a album with other songs with it

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Saskatoonian
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 08:48 PM

Hi There,

I was born and raised in Saskatoon Saskatchewan, where there is a large population of First Nations Peoples (I am Chinese) and the other day I was singing a song that we learned in elementary school and all I could remember is "Go my son, get an education". Thanks for helping me out!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Suzanne
Date: 09 May 05 - 04:04 PM

Go My Son is in "Activities for the Substitute Teacher" published by Silver Burdett Ginn, in their series "The Music Connection." Info in that source says it was written by two Navajo students at Brigham Young University. Copyright info says 1969.

I was wondering if there are some Navajo "signs" that might go with this song, as opposed to "signing" it in American Sign Language or any other hearing-impaired sign language.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Silverado
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 10:27 AM

Thanks so much, I also remember that song from my childhood. It brings back memories of my mother encouraging my to continue my education.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Tammy
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 03:07 PM

the problem with me is I remember the sign langauage for Go My Son but I can't remember the songs it self, I was only ten when I learned it now I'm 32, it will mean so much to me if I can hear the lyics for my self.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 04:30 PM

"Go My Son," by Nofchissey and Burson, is available on Tantara Records, cd "Lamanite Generation," for $15.95, remastered from the original vinyl. Also available on "Go My Son" cd, and as sheet music.
See "Tantara Records" on Google for links.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 07 - 10:08 AM

I recently went to the Dine Navajo reservation in Arizona and they performed that song for us

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 21 May 07 - 11:25 PM

Drumbeat Indian Arts has a 184-page Catalog of Native American Music and Movies, in pdf format, that has this information on page 56:

GO MY SON
Sheet music with Indian sign language instructions.
Many leaders have spoken [the] thoughts of this song, GO MY SON, - that education is a ladder to help reach success and happiness, "Go My Son, climb the ladder." Words and Music by Carnes Burson and Arlene Nofchissey Williams. Look for the song on B.Y.U. PRODUCTIONS - GO MY SON (544).
BYU 9404MUS

Also, Allmusic.com now lists 2 more recordings:

Douglas Spotted Eagle, "Legend of the Flute Boy," 1992.

Verdell Primeaux, "Color of Morning," 2007.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 07 - 11:12 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Wiroj
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 04:15 AM

I was told of the song, Go My Son, since I was in the US during 1970-1972 by my American friend. He demonstrated the song with his guitar which I still remembered the strung that began with G-chord. He also wrote me the song lyric that similar to the one proposed by:

Subject: Lyr Add: GO MY SON (C Burson, A N Williams)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 04 - 08:08 PM

Any how, as proposed by:

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 21 May 07 - 11:25 PM

there was a little bit difference from the song that I listened to the sample provided by BYU's website (https://tantararecords.securesites.com/index.php?p=catalog&i=52.)

The difference is as follows:
"From on the ladder..." was altered to "Upon the ladder..."

Any way, I am going to buy the BYU product(s). I think it is very inspiring song for everyone. Don't you think so?

Wiroj
A BYU alumni in Thailand.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Darrell Reid Hastings Bridge Pa New Zealand
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 08:06 PM

My friend Rangi Ruru served a mission amonst the Lamanites and taught the youth in the Hastings stake Go My Son over 40 years ago
and we still sing it today.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Crystal
Date: 30 Jun 07 - 12:14 PM

First time I sang "Go My Son" was our award assembly, I was the MC, we sang this song for the grade six's graduation. I only remember part of it, but it was a good one.
    Go my son, go and climb the ladder,
    Go my son, go and earn your feathers,
    Go my son, make your people proud of you.
That's all I can remember.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 04:50 AM

Here it is

https://tantararecords.securesites.com/index.php?p=catalog&i=16&PHPSESSID=fc9346e963f288bf2b9892bb0dbb7eda


Listen here
https://tantararecords.securesites.com/mp3/GMS/GMS_2.mp3?PHPSESSID=fc9346e963f288bf2b9892bb0dbb7eda

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,gman
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 02:34 PM

www.gomyson.com

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 11:34 AM

i too recall this my from childhood elementry school days very encouraging song

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Marilyn June
Date: 11 Aug 07 - 05:18 PM

My older sister was part of the Laminite Generation performance of "Go My Son" in the 1970s. The song inspired me to gain an education, help my community and be proud of who I am.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,clarissa
Date: 23 Sep 07 - 11:42 AM

CAN you guys please tell me where the whole lyrics can be found?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 23 Sep 07 - 02:12 PM

Full lyrics by the composer posted up above (12 Aug 04).
Others have added variants or their own verses.
One can purchase cd or sheet music from BYU.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Son N law
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 10:35 PM

Why don't you just call her? (Arlene Nofchissey Williams) she also has a New CD out! its called "Encircle"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Son N law
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 10:43 PM

http://www.tinyhummingbird.com/go_my_son.htm


tinyhummingbird.com

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,amanda bowen
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 04:45 PM

i just love that song i first herd about it at school in chorus
   we had a different song to vote on and that one and my friends and i said if we get the other song than we will quit

Subject: CD information
From: GUEST,Eileen
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 10:39 PM

where can i buy the Go my sOn album CD?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 08:05 PM

Try searching at Allmusic.com.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,me
Date: 31 Mar 08 - 02:26 AM

does neone know where i can find out how to do the sign language i remember some but not all... i miss this song so much it was the only one i remembered from elementart school.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Apr 08 - 09:30 PM

Go my son,go and clime the lader, go my son,go and earn your feather,

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Marilyn M.
Date: 08 May 08 - 05:32 PM

Go to: gomyson.com

Lyrics in english and indian should be there.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Ellen
Date: 12 May 08 - 02:40 PM

I NEED THE LYRICS IN SPANISH!

Subject: wow
From: GUEST,sky
Date: 23 Jul 08 - 05:15 PM

i was doing the same thing... looking for the lyrics to the "go my son" song, that i learned as a child, but couldn't fully remember all the words. its weird hearing it and seeing the actual lyrics

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 02:47 PM

Hello, I sing this song with my students and we do the sign language with it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:00 PM

Does anyone have the guitar chords to Go My Son? Thanks.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,D. Mo
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:27 AM

Does anyone know where to get access to the actual sign language part of the Go MY Son? Or how to learn it?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,guest dee w
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 06:20 PM

GO MY SON
(C Burson, A N Williams)

Go my son, go and climb the ladder.
Go my son, go and earn your feather.
go my son, make your people proud of you.

work my son, get an education.
work my son, learn a good vocation
Climb my son, go and take a lofty view.

From on the ladder of an education.
You can see to help your Indian nation.
Reach my son, and lift your people up with you.

Go my son, go and climb the ladder.
Go my son, go and earn your feather.
go my son, make your people proud of you.


From on the ladder of an education.
You can see to help your Indian nation.
Reach my son, and lift your people up with you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,KOA
Date: 05 Apr 09 - 09:04 PM

Try Youtube.com [search]
"Go My Son" from SEASONS - BYU Living Legends

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Apr 09 - 10:58 PM

only two people actually put the lyrics on the message

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Destiny
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 01:40 AM

I just learned the song a few days ago in music. I luv that song surprisingly heres the lyrics:

Go my son, go and climb the ladder.
Go my son, go and earn your feather.
Go my son, make your people proud of you.

work my son, get an education.
work my son, learn a good vocation
Climb my son, go and take a lofty view.

From on the ladder of an education.
You can see to help your Indian nation.
Reach my son, and lift your people up with you.

Go my son, go and climb the ladder.
Go my son, go and earn your feather.
Go my son, make your people proud of you.


From on the ladder of an education.
You can see to help your Indian nation.
Reach my son, and lift your people up with you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Kreigh Gibson
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 08:55 PM

its been awhile since I heard this but all of sudden I was sitting down and started signing it in my head

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 10:46 AM

Does anyone know where to get a hold of the guitar notes for "Go my Son"? I need guitar notes for 'Go my son".

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Troy
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 08:37 PM

45 on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260526152517&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,someone
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 08:15 PM

this song is cool plus its part of my tradition :)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 12:50 AM

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,GUEST - comby
Date: 27 Aug 10 - 07:57 AM

Been teaching GO MY SON & I WALK IN BEAUTY for 36 years & kids still beg to sing these songs.   They're timeless. Chords are simple: G Eminor C.