Shenandoah
Johnny Gibbs and his Orchestra Lyrics
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Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah I long to hear you,
Away I'm bound away,
'Cross the wide Missouri
Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah I love your daughter,
'Cross the wide Missouri
Oh Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah I'll not deceive you,
Away I'm bound away,
'Cross the wide Missouri
Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah I long to hear you,
Away I'm bound away,
'Cross the wide Missouri
The lyrics to Johnny Gibbs and his Orchestra's song Shenandoah are a testament to the beauty and allure of the Shenandoah River, which flows through six states in the eastern United States. The song reflects on the singer's longing to hear the river's captivating sound and to experience its natural beauty once again. Set against the backdrop of the rolling river, the lyrics speak of the singer's love for the river and its culture.
Furthermore, the song also reveals that the singer is bound to leave the river, which adds a touch of melancholy to the otherwise joyful and upbeat lyrics. This could be interpreted as a representation of human nature's constant need to move forward, even if it means leaving behind something we love. In essence, Shenandoah is a beautiful love song to a river that has captured the hearts of many with its indescribable beauty and charm.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
The singer deeply desires to once again hear the sounds of the Shenandoah river
Away you rolling river,
The river continues to flow and move away from the singer
Oh Shenandoah I long to hear you,
The singer repeats their longing to hear the Shenandoah river, showing the strength of their desire
Away I'm bound away,
The artist is leaving their current location and heading in a direction away from the river
'Cross the wide Missouri
The artist is crossing the large Missouri river, which is beyond the Shenandoah river
Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter,
The singer expresses their admiration and fondness for a woman associated with the Shenandoah river
Oh Shenandoah I love your daughter,
The singer repeats their declaration of love for the woman, emphasizing the intensity of their feelings
Oh Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you,
The artist acknowledges that they must depart from the Shenandoah river, potentially leaving behind the woman they love
Oh Shenandoah I'll not deceive you,
The artist promises to be truthful and honest with the river, as if it has a conscious understanding
Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
The artist reaffirms their longing to hear the Shenandoah river, indicating that this desire is not easily forgotten
Away I'm bound away,
The singer emphasizes that they are departing from the river and moving away in a certain direction
'Cross the wide Missouri
The artist once again mentions that they are crossing the Missouri river, indicating its significance in relation to their journey
Lyrics © NEXT DECADE ENTERTAINMENT,INC.
Written by: HARRY BELAFONTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind