Shenandoah
Claude T. Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Away, you rollin' river
O, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away I'm bound to go 'cross the wide Missouri
'Tis seven long years since I last saw you
Away, you rollin' river
'Tis seven long years since I last saw you
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
Away, you rollin' river
O, Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you
Away I'm bound to go 'cross the wide Missouri
The lyrics to Claude T. Smith's "Shenandoah" express a longing and a sense of wanderlust for the Shenandoah River. The singer, who has not seen the river in seven years, is drawn to its rolling currents and peaceful sounds, and yearns to hear it once again. The lyrics also suggest a departure and an uncertain future, as the singer declares that they are "bound to go 'cross the wide Missouri", potentially leaving behind the familiar and embarking on some kind of journey or adventure.
The song's title refers to the Shenandoah River, which flows through Virginia and West Virginia. The river has long been celebrated in American folklore and song, and is often associated with the beauty and tranquility of the Appalachian Mountains. The song itself is derived from a traditional American folk song, which has been passed down through generations of singers and adapted into various forms.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
The author is expressing a deep desire to hear the Shenandoah river.
Away, you rollin' river
The author is acknowledging that the river is constantly flowing and moving.
O, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
The author is restating their longing to hear the Shenandoah river.
Away I'm bound to go 'cross the wide Missouri
The author is indicating that they are leaving and moving towards the Missouri river.
'Tis seven long years since I last saw you
The author is indicating that it has been a long time since they have seen the Shenandoah river.
Away, you rollin' river
The author is acknowledging that the river is still constantly flowing and moving, even in their absence.
'Tis seven long years since I last saw you
The author is restating that it has been a long time since they have seen the Shenandoah river.
Away I'm bound to go 'cross the wide Missouri
The author is again indicating that they are leaving and moving towards the Missouri river, emphasizing their distance from the Shenandoah river.
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
The author is acknowledging that they are leaving the Shenandoah river.
Away, you rollin' river
The author is again acknowledging that the river is constantly flowing and moving.
O, Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you
The author is assuring the river that they will not betray it.
Away I'm bound to go 'cross the wide Missouri
The author is reiterating that they are leaving and moving towards the Missouri river, this time emphasizing their commitment to this journey.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HAL SHAPER, N TRADITIONAL (PD)
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind