diff --git a/git-pull.sh b/git-pull.sh
index 29c14e148e..4611ae644e 100755
--- a/git-pull.sh
+++ b/git-pull.sh
@@ -55,9 +55,17 @@ then
 	# First update the working tree to match $curr_head.
 
 	echo >&2 "Warning: fetch updated the current branch head."
-	echo >&2 "Warning: fast forwarding your working tree."
+	echo >&2 "Warning: fast forwarding your working tree from"
+	echo >&2 "Warning: $orig_head commit."
+	git-update-index --refresh 2>/dev/null
 	git-read-tree -u -m "$orig_head" "$curr_head" ||
-		die "You need to first update your working tree."
+		die 'Cannot fast-forward your working tree.
+After making sure that you saved anything precious from
+$ git diff '$orig_head'
+output, run
+$ git reset --hard
+to recover.'
+
 fi
 
 merge_head=$(sed -e '/	not-for-merge	/d' \