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

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

18 Mar 98 - 08:19 PM (#24109)
Subject: Lyr Go My Son
From: Lilly

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:

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

19 Mar 98 - 10:56 AM (#24124)
Subject: RE: Lyr Go My Son
From: Jon W.

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.

20 Mar 98 - 05:06 PM (#24202)
Subject: RE: Lyr Go My Son
From: Alice

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

12 Aug 04 - 08:08 PM (#1246301)
Subject: Lyr Add: GO MY SON (C Burson, A N Williams)
From: GUEST

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.

12 Aug 04 - 09:03 PM (#1246359)
Subject: RE: Lyr Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

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.

05 Dec 04 - 02:16 PM (#1348110)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

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

05 Dec 04 - 02:19 PM (#1348114)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: wysiwyg

Do you mean who recorded it?

~S~

03 Jan 05 - 02:39 AM (#1369841)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Zuni

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.

05 Jan 05 - 09:56 AM (#1372008)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Jim Dixon

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

15 Jan 05 - 12:03 AM (#1379279)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,me

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

21 Feb 05 - 08:48 PM (#1416985)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Saskatoonian

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!!

09 May 05 - 04:04 PM (#1481022)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Suzanne

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.

29 Mar 07 - 10:27 AM (#2010666)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Silverado

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

25 Apr 07 - 03:07 PM (#2035639)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Tammy

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.

25 Apr 07 - 04:30 PM (#2035722)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

"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.

20 May 07 - 10:08 AM (#2056993)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

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

21 May 07 - 11:25 PM (#2058145)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Jim Dixon

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

Also, Allmusic.com now lists 2 more recordings:

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

Verdell Primeaux, "Color of Morning," 2007.

24 May 07 - 11:12 AM (#2059888)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

refresh

17 Jun 07 - 04:15 AM (#2079092)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Wiroj

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.

27 Jun 07 - 08:06 PM (#2088677)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Darrell Reid Hastings Bridge Pa New Zealand

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.

30 Jun 07 - 12:14 PM (#2090931)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Crystal

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.

06 Jul 07 - 04:50 AM (#2095420)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

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

10 Jul 07 - 02:34 PM (#2098964)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,gman

www.gomyson.com

23 Jul 07 - 11:34 AM (#2109288)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,guest

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

11 Aug 07 - 05:18 PM (#2123912)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Marilyn June

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.

23 Sep 07 - 11:42 AM (#2155680)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,clarissa

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

23 Sep 07 - 02:12 PM (#2155748)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

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.

30 Sep 07 - 10:35 PM (#2160827)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Son N law

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

30 Sep 07 - 10:43 PM (#2160828)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Son N law

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

tinyhummingbird.com

17 Jan 08 - 04:45 PM (#2238745)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,amanda bowen

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

24 Jan 08 - 10:39 PM (#2244182)
Subject: CD information
From: GUEST,Eileen

where can i buy the Go my sOn album CD?

26 Jan 08 - 08:05 PM (#2245808)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: Jim Dixon

Try searching at Allmusic.com.

31 Mar 08 - 02:26 AM (#2301767)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,me

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.

06 Apr 08 - 09:30 PM (#2308679)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

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

08 May 08 - 05:32 PM (#2336073)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Marilyn M.

Go to: gomyson.com

Lyrics in english and indian should be there.

12 May 08 - 02:40 PM (#2338562)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Ellen

I NEED THE LYRICS IN SPANISH!

23 Jul 08 - 05:15 PM (#2396269)
Subject: wow
From: GUEST,sky

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

23 Sep 08 - 02:47 PM (#2448354)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

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

03 Nov 08 - 04:00 PM (#2483641)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

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

19 Nov 08 - 01:27 AM (#2497386)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,D. Mo

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

23 Mar 09 - 06:20 PM (#2595659)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,guest dee w

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.

05 Apr 09 - 09:04 PM (#2605350)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,KOA

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

19 Apr 09 - 10:58 PM (#2614760)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

only two people actually put the lyrics on the message

26 Apr 09 - 01:40 AM (#2618870)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Destiny

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.

12 Jun 09 - 08:55 PM (#2655314)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Kreigh Gibson

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

12 Oct 09 - 10:46 AM (#2744138)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

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

19 Dec 09 - 08:37 PM (#2792473)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Troy

45 on ebay

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

08 Mar 10 - 08:15 PM (#2859666)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,someone

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

12 Apr 10 - 12:50 AM (#2884588)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

27 Aug 10 - 07:57 AM (#2973889)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,GUEST - comby

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.

08 Sep 10 - 02:36 AM (#2982120)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Janelle *navajo*

Wow! Its been years since I learned this song in boarding school. I was in elementary school probably grade 4th when we had some people visit the school. Each grades had someone that would teach them different things. Somehow a few of my friends and I were chosen to be taught under Bonnie Jo Hunt. She taught us the song and sign lanuage of "go my son" and it took me yrs to remember the lyrics plus some of the signing. im hard of hearing now and can still remember from memory that sweet voice of the lady who sang the song. I last saw bonnie @ the gathering of the nations powwow in 2004.

01 Oct 10 - 07:33 PM (#2997859)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Prairiewoman

In 1964 I was a student at Pierre Indian Boarding School in Pierre South Dakota and had the honor of hearing this woman Arlene sing and sign this song. It was absolutely beautiful.

03 Oct 10 - 12:26 AM (#2998480)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Iwaiwa

Thanks... This is the only thread with the chords for guitar! Im teaching my school kids on Monday!

06 Oct 10 - 07:24 PM (#3001387)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Hannah Safford

I sang this for a thanksgiving play in second grade now I am in high school but i still always sing it! I'm glad I found the right lyrics to it!

08 Oct 10 - 05:54 PM (#3002860)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

Hi my name is Blair Thompson and I like your song. / oh by the way i'm ten/10 years old.

04 Feb 11 - 01:41 PM (#3088708)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST,Daniel1234

Where is the spanish version?

05 Feb 11 - 12:39 AM (#3089003)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: RunrigFan

According to google translate

Ir a mi hijo, ir a subir la escalera.
Ir a mi hijo, ir a ganar su pluma.
ir a mi hijo, que su pueblo orgulloso de ustedes.

el trabajo de mi hijo, recibir una educación.
el trabajo de mi hijo, aprender una vocación buena
Sube a mi hijo, ir a tomar una visión elevada.

Desde la escalera de la educación.
Usted puede ver para ayudar a su nación india.
Llegar a mi hijo, y levantar a su gente en contacto con usted.

Ir a mi hijo, ir a subir la escalera.
Ir a mi hijo, ir a ganar su pluma.
ir a mi hijo, que su pueblo orgulloso de ustedes.

Desde la escalera de la educación.
Usted puede ver para ayudar a su nación india.
Llegar a mi hijo, y levantar a su gente en contacto con usted.

10 Dec 17 - 06:26 PM (#3893239)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Go My Son (and climb the ladder)
From: GUEST

I'm trying to get the lyrics for this song I only had a wek left and this kinda helped so yeah thanks