The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Shenandoah
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you,
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
Away, I'm bound away, cross the wide Missouri.
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you,
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
Away, I'm bound away, cross the wide Missouri.
"Shenandoah" is a traditional American folksong, often sung as a sea shanty, that tells the story of a man's love for a Native American chief's daughter named Shenandoah. The lyrics in the song express the deep longing to hear and see the river and the daughter again, but also the inevitability of the man's departure from them as he must cross the wide Missouri River. The repetition of the opening phrase, "Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you," emphasizes the singer's devotion to the river and his lover, while the verbs "bound" and "leave" express his sense of duty to move on. The song is a bittersweet reflection on the struggle between love and duty, and it romanticizes the pioneering spirit of America's settlers.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
I yearn to listen to the peaceful and tranquil sounds of the Shenandoah river.
Away, you rolling river
Rolling away in a calm and serene manner, the Shenandoah river flows gracefully.
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
I desire to once again hear the soothing and calming sounds of the river, as it sings its melody with the wind.
Away, I'm bound away, cross the wide Missouri.
I am traveling across the vast and open Missouri River, journeying towards my destination.
Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter,
I have deep affection and admiration for the daughter of the Shenandoah river, for she reminds me of the natural beauty that surrounds me.
Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter
The daughter of the Shenandoah river symbolizes nature's grace and beauty, which fills my heart with joy and happiness.
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you,
Sadly, I must depart from the enchanting and peaceful Shenandoah river, but the memories of its beauty will always remain in my heart.
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
Although I must leave the Shenandoah river behind, I will carry with me the serene and tranquil feelings of being in nature.
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you,
My heart longs to witness the beauty of Shenandoah river once again, for it gives me peace and comfort like nothing else can.
Away, you rolling river
As the peaceful flows of the river continue, it reminds me of the constant and stable nature of the natural world.
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
My eyes ache to witness the sights and sounds of the Shenandoah river, which fills my soul with happiness and joy.
Away, I'm bound away, cross the wide Missouri.
As I journey across the vast Atlantic towards my destination, I take with me the peaceful memories of Shenandoah river, which keeps me calm and tranquil.
Contributed by Jackson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@allyendicott7025
I wasn't born in the United States but, to me, this is the song of America - that it speaks to what we deeply wish: for life to be filled with love, purpose, God and sweetness. In the end, love will take us back to Him who made us. Peace will help us to know how to do it. Thank you Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
@queen0karaoke
My mother died on Wednesday January 2nd. This song has been a comfort to me.
@jannahm1788
I am not Mormon (or even American), but I adore this piece of music so much. It's so beautiful and soothing.
@olufunmilayoelegba5024
So comforting! So soothing!
@safrew1
I feel the same. I lived in this valley for a short time. It's beautiful! A piece of heart is still there.
@user-yo7fc6ft9i
When I am listening to this song again sung by the velvety voice of The Tabernacle Choir on the Valentione's Day in 2023, I am still feeling the Church-Hymn touch of the Holy Spirit! Thanks for sharing and thank the Choir! Peter Chen @ Taiwan
@Codebreaker51
Being a native Virginian, I have marveled at the beauty and sereneness of that meandering river, especially in my youth, now...being so far away from my native state, my heart still goes back to those cherished memories of a place that I hold dear to me. My wife passed from this life two years ago, and every time I listen to this rendition of this beautiful song and music, by the choir, my heart swells with love and appreciation for my Savior and the peace he has given to me, to withstand these troubled times and the loss of my companion. All I can say is, there is NO other choir in this world for ours, that sounds so beautiful and calms the heart so well, as this one.
@danielshane6487
Marvellous, marvellous Richard and thanks!!! Sorry for the loss of your companion!!!
@danielshane6487
Had to write once again that your post is just Gold!!!
@raeannaroylance5401
Richard Wahl I am listening to have peace after hearing that a good friend’s wife was suddenly killed in a car accident.
You’re right, this brings so much comfort for this kind of grief.
I’m so sorry about your wife.😞❤️