I'm a Roman Catholic, but I have always loved this hymn. It's an iconic song from our shared, collective American history which creates images in our minds of simple white New England churches, the pioneers, early midwest and western settlements, etc. It's as cheerful, strong and resolute as those who first sang it over 100 years ago.
I think that this is a hymn that all of us Christians in the body of Christ can “gather round.” ❤ (I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this is one of my most favorite hymns ever.)
I was searching RU-vid for this hymn because I heard it as a child, and it’s a bright spot in a long, dark span of my life.… Then I found this compilation! I forgotten how many beautiful expressions of religious faith are in old movies! Thank you so much for creating this! ❤
There is another moment later in The Searchers, which I believe has the Sons of the Pioneers singing this song around the fireplace, which is quite lovely.
He did indeed. I wonder if he had his father in mind as he was singing. Harry Carey Sr died the year before this, and John Ford dedicated the film to his memory.
Sam Peckinpah (raised strict Protestant) used it masterfully in the opening of THE WILD BUNCH. The lyric/title telegraphs the bunch reconoitering at the Rio Grande.
i love it too but not so much as to have it in 8 films! I guess i might have the Welsh song Myfanwy in more than one (eg Morriston Orpheus choir on youtube). It is in How Green Was My Valley.
