Shady Grove
Lonesome Sisters & Riley Baugus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shady Grove, I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I′m bound to go away
Cheeks as red as a bloomin' rose
And eyes of the prettiest brown
She′s the darlin' of my heart
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
I wish I had a big fine horse
And corn to feed him on
And Shady Grove to stay at home
And feed him while I′m gone
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I′m bound to go away
Went to see my Shady Grove
She was standin' in the door
Her shoes and stockin′s in her hand
And her little bare feet on the floor
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
A kiss from pretty little Shady Grove
Is sweet as brandy wine
And there ain′t no girl in this ol' world
That′s prettier than mine
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove, I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
The song "Shady Grove" is a traditional American folk tune originating in Appalachian regions. It tells the story of the singer's love for a woman named Shady Grove, who has cheeks as red as a blooming rose and the prettiest brown eyes. The singer wishes he had a big fine horse and corn to feed him so he could stay at home with Shady Grove while he is away. When he goes to see her, she stands in the door with her shoes and stockings in her hands and her little bare feet on the floor. The singer declares that a kiss from Shady Grove is as sweet as brandy wine and that there is no girl in the world prettier than her. The song ends with the singer acknowledging that he is bound to go away.
The song has been performed by many musicians, including Doc Watson, Jerry Garcia, and the Grateful Dead, and has been recorded in various styles, such as bluegrass, country, and blues. The use of the name Shady Grove is likely a reference to a real place since there are several places across the United States with that name. The song's origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The song is a great example of the ballad tradition in Appalachian folk music, which celebrates love, loss, and storytelling.
Line by Line Meaning
Shady Grove, my little love
The singer addresses their beloved, Shady Grove.
Shady Grove, I say
The singer repeats Shady Grove's name for emphasis.
Shady Grove, my little love
The singer addresses their beloved once again, acknowledging the fleeting nature of their time together.
I'm bound to go away
The artist acknowledges that they will soon have to leave Shady Grove behind.
Cheeks as red as a bloomin' rose
The artist describes Shady Grove's physical appearance.
And eyes of the prettiest brown
The singer further describes Shady Grove's physical appearance.
She's the darlin' of my heart
The singer expresses their affection for Shady Grove.
Sweetest girl in town
The artist continues praising Shady Grove's character and beauty.
I wish I had a big fine horse
The artist expresses a desire for a particular possession.
And corn to feed him on
The artist describes the necessary provisions for owning a horse.
And Shady Grove to stay at home
The singer wishes for Shady Grove to stay at home while they are away.
And feed him while I'm gone
The artist would like Shady Grove to take care of the horse while the artist is away.
Went to see my Shady Grove
The singer describes a recent visit to Shady Grove.
She was standin' in the door
The singer describes Shady Grove's posture during this visit.
Her shoes and stockin's in her hand
The singer describes what Shady Grove was holding during the visit.
And her little bare feet on the floor
The artist further describes Shady Grove's posture during the visit.
A kiss from pretty little Shady Grove
The artist describes a physical interaction with Shady Grove.
Is sweet as brandy wine
The singer compares the sweetness of Shady Grove's kiss to brandy wine.
And there ain't no girl in this ol' world
The singer acknowledges that Shady Grove is unique and special.
That's prettier than mine
The artist reaffirms their love and admiration for Shady Grove.
Shady Grove, my little love
The artist addresses Shady Grove for the last time, reminiscing on the time they spent together.
Shady Grove, I say
The artist repeats Shady Grove's name as an affectionate farewell.
Shady Grove, my little love
The singer addresses their beloved one final time.
I'm bound to go away
The artist reiterates their impending departure.
Writer(s): Taj Mahal, Traditional
Contributed by Parker Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.