Red River Valley
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics


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From this valley they say you are going
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For they say you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened our pathways awhile

[Chorus]
Come and sit by my side, if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Just remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy who loved you so true

I've been thinking a long time, my darling
Of the sweet words you never would say
Now, alas, must my fond hopes all vanish
For they say you are gong away

Do you think of the valley you're leaving
O how lonely and how dreary it will be
And do you think of the kind hearts you're breaking
And the pain you are causing to me

[Chorus]

They will bury me where you have wandered
Near the hills where the daffodils grow
When you're gone from the Red River Valley
For I can't live without you I know





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song "Red River Valley" describes the emotional upheaval experienced by someone who is about to be separated from their loved one who is leaving the valley. The first two lines describe the sadness felt by those who will miss the person leaving. The song is full of imagery of the beautiful valley - "brightened our pathways a while" - and the loss of joy and light that the person leaving will take with them.


The chorus is an appeal to the person leaving, to stay a while longer and not rush away. The singer reminds their loved one of the good times they shared in the valley and how they expressed their love, appealing to them to stay by their side a while longer. It conveys heartache and love in a powerful way, highlighting the pain and loss that comes with separation.


The final stanza is particularly poignant as it states the singer's intention to remain where they are buried, near where their loved one may return one day. It is a song of profound longing and bittersweet love, depicting the deep sense of loss one feels when saying goodbye.


Line by Line Meaning

From this valley they say you are going
You are leaving this place, and unfortunately, that is what everybody has been saying.


We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
Your charming smile and beautiful eyes will be missed by all of us.


For they say you are taking the sunshine
Your presence has brought light into our lives, but now you are leaving and taking that light with you.


That has brightened our pathways awhile
You have been a positive influence on our lives for a short time, and now you are leaving.


Come and sit by my side, if you love me
If you truly love me, then come and sit beside me.


Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Don't say goodbye quickly, take your time to stay with me.


Just remember the Red River Valley
Always remember the place we have spent time together known as the Red River Valley.


And the cowboy who loved you so true
Remember, there was a cowboy who loved you with all his heart.


I've been thinking a long time, my darling
My love, I have been contemplating for a while now.


Of the sweet words you never would say
I longed to hear those sweet words you'd never say.


Now, alas, must my fond hopes all vanish
Sadly, all my hopes and dreams for us will be gone, for you are leaving.


For they say you are gong away
I heard that you are leaving and sadly it appears to be true.


Do you think of the valley you're leaving
Have you ever thought about the place you are leaving behind, our beloved Red River Valley?


O how lonely and how dreary it will be
It'll eventually turn into a lonely and dreary valley after you've gone.


And do you think of the kind hearts you're breaking
Have you considered the pain that you are causing to the kind-hearted people who love you?


And the pain you are causing to me
And the sorrow and pain that your leaving is bringing to me.


They will bury me where you have wandered
I'll be buried where you have been walking in, soon after I pass on.


Near the hills where the daffodils grow
Laid close to the hill, where the beautiful daffodils grow.


When you're gone from the Red River Valley
Once you leave this beautiful valley, where would you go?


For I can't live without you I know
I know that I won't be able to live without you.


[Chorus]
These lines form the chorus of the song




Lyrics © PETER PIPER MUSIC AMERICA LLC
Written by: FRANK MILLS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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