Shady Grove
Jerry Garcia / David Grisman / Tony Rice Lyrics
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Apples in the fall
If I can't have the girl I love
I won't have none at all
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, I know
Shady Grove, my little love
I wish I had a banjo string
Made of golden twine
Every tune I'd pick on it
I wish that girl was mine
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, I know
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound for Shady Grove
Some come here to fiddle and dance
Some come here to tarry
Some come here to fiddle and dance
I come here to marry
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, I know
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound for Shady Grove
(Yes)
Every night, when I go home
My wife, I try to please her
The more I try, the worse she gets
Damned if I don't leave her
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, my darling
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm going back to Harlan
Every night, when I go home
My wife, I try to please her
The more I try, the worse she gets
Damned if I don't leave her
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, I know
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound for Shady Grove
Fly around, my pretty little miss
Fly around, my Daisy
Fly around, my pretty little miss
Nearly drive me crazy
Shady Grove, my true love
Shady Grove, I know
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound for Shady Grove
The song "Shady Grove" is a traditional Appalachian folk song that has been performed by countless musicians over the years. Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Tony Rice’s version adds their own unique touch to the classic tune. The lyrics are a mix of sweet and sad sentiments. In the opening verse, the singer reflects on the fruit of the seasons, peaches in the summertime and apples in the fall, but quickly laments that without the love of the girl he desires, he won't have any at all. The chorus is a declaration of his affection for the titular Shady Grove, a place of refuge and love.
The second verse is a wish for a banjo string made of gold that he could use to play every tune he wants, especially if he had the girl he loves by his side. The following verse alludes to the various reasons people come to Shady Grove, some to fiddle and dance, others to tarry. But the singer's purpose is clear, as he declares that he comes to marry. The final verses reflect on the singer's marital woes, as he tries to please his wife but is always met with disappointment. He finally decides to leave and return to Shady Grove.
Overall, the lyrics capture the bittersweet nature of love and the search for a place to call home. It's a song that has endured for generations and continues to bring joy to listeners to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Peaches in the summertime
Sweet fruit in the warm season
Apples in the fall
Crisp fruit in the cooler time
If I can't have the girl I love
If the one I adore is not with me
I won't have none at all
I prefer to have nothing else
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
Shady Grove, I know
I am familiar with the place I seek
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
I'm bound for Shady Grove
I am traveling to that special location
I wish I had a banjo string
I yearn for a specific item
Made of golden twine
Fashioned from luxurious material
Every tune I'd pick on it
I would play music on it constantly
I wish that girl was mine
I long for the woman I adore
Some come here to fiddle and dance
Some people have different reasons for visiting
Some come here to tarry
Some come to stay awhile
Some come here to fiddle and dance
Some people have different reasons for visiting
I come here to marry
I am here to wed
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
Shady Grove, I know
I am familiar with the place I seek
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
I'm bound for Shady Grove
I am traveling to that special location
(Yes)
Confirmation or agreement to previous statement
Every night, when I go home
At the end of each day
My wife, I try to please her
I attempt to make her happy
The more I try, the worse she gets
Her mood deteriorates the more I try
Damned if I don't leave her
Perhaps I should end the relationship
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
Shady Grove, my darling
Endearing term for my love
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
I'm going back to Harlan
Returning to my hometown or previous location
Every night, when I go home
At the end of each day
My wife, I try to please her
I attempt to make her happy
The more I try, the worse she gets
Her mood deteriorates the more I try
Damned if I don't leave her
Perhaps I should end the relationship
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
Shady Grove, I know
I am familiar with the place I seek
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
I'm bound for Shady Grove
I am traveling to that special location
Fly around, my pretty little miss
Move around joyfully
Fly around, my Daisy
Endearing term for a loved one
Fly around, my pretty little miss
Move around joyfully
Nearly drive me crazy
Overwhelmed with emotion or excitement
Shady Grove, my true love
Endearing term for my love
Shady Grove, I know
I am familiar with the place I seek
Shady Grove, my little love
Affectionate nickname for my darling
I'm bound for Shady Grove
I am traveling to that special location
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jerome J. Garcia, David Jay Grisman, DP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind