SHENANDOAH
Belafonte Harry Lyrics

Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
The singer is yearning to hear the Shenandoah River and its associated memories.

Away you rolling river,
The river is constantly flowing and moving away from the singer.

Oh Shenandoah I long to hear you,
The singer's desire to hear the river is so strong that they must repeat the line.

Away I'm bound away,
The artist is leaving and heading further away from the river.

'Cross the wide Missouri
The artist is crossing the Missouri River, which is associated with new and different experiences.

Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter,
The singer is expressing their love for someone associated with the river, likely a romantic partner or relative.

Away you rolling river,
The river's continued movement is emphasized again.

Oh Shenandoah I love your daughter,
The artist restates their love for the river-associated individual, possibly indicating reluctance to leave them behind.

Away I'm bound away,
The artist is again stating their departure, but also suggesting that the departure is out of their control or desire.

'Cross the wide Missouri
The crossing of the Missouri is repeated to emphasize its significance both geographically and symbolically.

Oh Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you,
The singer is acknowledging their need to leave the river and move on to a new part of their life.

Oh Shenandoah I'll not deceive you,
The artist is making a promise to the river that they will not forget it or ignore its importance in their life.

Away I'm bound away,
The singer is repeating their inevitability of leaving and the powerlessness they feel in the situation.

'Cross the wide Missouri
The song ends on this repeated line, underscoring the transition from one part of the singer's life to another.