Aunt Rhody
Burl Ives · The Singing Wayfarer [2007]
Go tell Aunt Rhody,
Go tell Aunt Rhody,
Go tell Aunt Rhody
The old gray goose is dead.
The one she's been saving,
The one she's been saving,
The one she's been saving
To make a feather bed.
The goslings are mourning,
The goslings are mourning,
The goslings are mourning,
Because their mother's dead.
The old gander's weeping,
The old gander's weeping,
The old gander's weeping,
Because his wife is dead.
She died in the mill pond,
She died in the mill pond,
She died in the mill pond
From standing on her head.
Go tell Aunt Rhody,
Go tell Aunt Rhody,
Go tell Aunt Rhody
The old gray goose is dead.
Go tell Aunt Rhody,
Go tell Aunt Rhody
The old gray goose is dead.
The one she's been saving,
The one she's been saving,
The one she's been saving
To make a feather bed.
The goslings are mourning,
The goslings are mourning,
The goslings are mourning,
Because their mother's dead.
The old gander's weeping,
The old gander's weeping,
The old gander's weeping,
Because his wife is dead.
She died in the mill pond,
She died in the mill pond,
She died in the mill pond
From standing on her head.
Go tell Aunt Rhody,
Go tell Aunt Rhody,
Go tell Aunt Rhody
The old gray goose is dead.
Aunt Rhody
Burl Ives delivers a warm, folksy rendition of "Aunt Rhody" on his 2007 compilation The Singing Wayfarer. The track showcases Ives' signature gentle vocal style, characteristic of his extensive discography spanning decades of American folk and traditional music. As a beloved figure in the genre, Ives often performed songs with simple melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonated with audiences worldwide. This recording captures his ability to bring charm and sincerity to the material, reflecting the enduring appeal of his work in the folk tradition. The song stands as a testament to his career, which included numerous albums and recordings that celebrated rural life and classic American storytelling.