The Don Falvey Waltz

Thirty years ago, when he was collecting folksongs from Utah, Hal recorded a Springdale harmonica player named Larkin Gifford. Larkin played a traditional tune he called “The Don Jolley Waltz,” named after Zion’s first chief ranger. Hal later recorded this tune with the Deseret String Band. When Phillip served as mayor of Springdale, the town forged an award-winning partnership with Zion National Park and its superintendent, Don Falvey. Phillip adapted “The Don Jolley Waltz” and gave it words that honor this relationship and the work done by Don Falvey to preserve the nature and quiet of the park and the Virgin River (originally called the “Pa’Rus” by the Paiute Indians). The song also celebrates the beauty of Zion and the work so many people do to preserve Zion for future generations.

Let us join our hands together
Through the valley we shall walk (it’s so silent)
We will hear the angels landing
As we sleep at Weeping Rock

     Partner to partner
     And shoulder to shoulder
     We’ll waltz to the moon on Emerald Pools
     It’s one step for Utah
     And two more for Zion
     On the banks of the tumbling Pa’rus

When we sail on Steamboat Mountain
We shall see the Great White Throne (as we’re sailing)
And we’ll dance with the Three Marys
As the Watchman lights us home

     Partner to partner
     And shoulder to shoulder
     We’ll waltz to the moon on Emerald Pools
     It’s one step for Utah
     And two more for Zion
     On the banks of the tumbling Pa’rus

Let the cougar have his den
Let the eagle have her nest (she is watching)
Let the deer lie in the meadow
May we be their humble guests

     Partner to partner
     And shoulder to shoulder
     We’ll waltz to the moon on Emerald Pools
     It’s one step for Utah
     And two more for Zion
     On the banks of the tumbling Pa’rus

     (Repeat chorus)