Shady Grove
Clarence Ashley/Doc Watson Lyrics

Shady Grove, my little love
Addressing the person named Shady Grove, who is a beloved individual of the singer.

Shady Grove I say
Repeating the previous line, emphasizing the importance of the person named Shady Grove in the singer's life.

Shady Grove, my little love
Echoing the sentiment stated in the first line, expressing the singer's deep affection for Shady Grove.

I'm bound to go away
Acknowledging that the singer must leave despite their love for Shady Grove.

Cheeks as red as a blooming rose
Describing the physical appearance of Shady Grove, particularly her rosy-cheeks.

And eyes are the prettiest brown
Further highlighting Shady Grove's appearance, specifically the color of her pretty brown eyes.

She's the darling of my heart
Expressing the singer's adoration and affection for Shady Grove.

Sweetest girl in town
Stating that Shady Grove is the sweetest and most desirable girl in town.

I wish I had a big fine horse
Expressing a desire for a particular item, in this case, a big fine horse.

And corn to feed him on
Stating a specific item needed to care for the horse mentioned in the previous line.

And Shady Grove to stay at home
Expressing a desire for Shady Grove to stay at home and take care of the horse while the singer is away.

And feed him while I'm gone
Further emphasizing the need for Shady Grove to care for the horse while the singer is away.

Went to see my Shady Grove
Describing an action taken by the singer, which is to visit Shady Grove.

She was standing in the door
Depicting the setting and situation when the singer arrived at Shady Grove's residence.

Her shoes and stockin's in her hand
Describing what Shady Grove was holding, which are her shoes and stockings.

And her little bare feet on the floor
Depicting the appearance of Shady Grove, specifically her little bare feet on the floor.

When I was a little boy
Introducing a flashback story or personal anecdote from the singer's childhood.

I wanted a Barlow knife
Stating a particular item that the singer wanted as a child, which is a Barlow knife.

And now I want little Shady Grove
Drawing a parallel between the singer's childhood desire for a knife and their present-day desire for Shady Grove.

To say she'll be my wife
Asking Shady Grove to agree to become the singer's wife.

A kiss from pretty little Shady Grove
Depicting a physical action done by Shady Grove, which is giving the singer a kiss.

Is sweet as brandy wine
Comparing the sweetness of Shady Grove's kiss to the sweetness of brandy wine.

And there ain't no girl in this old world
Declaring that there is no other girl in the world like Shady Grove.

That's prettier than mine
Stating that Shady Grove is the prettiest girl in the singer's eyes.