Shenandoah
Riot Lyrics


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Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away, you lonely river
Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away, I'm bound to go
Across the wide Missouri




Overall Meaning

The "Shenandoah" in this song refers to the river that runs through Virginia and West Virginia, which is known for its beauty and historical significance. The singer in the song is expressing a deep desire to return to this place, which holds a special significance for them. The river is personified as lonely, perhaps because the singer feels a connection to its quiet, natural beauty. The refrain of the song emphasizes this longing, with the repetition of the phrase "Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you."


The second half of the song hints at a journey the singer is undertaking, as they declare that they are "bound to go / Across the wide Missouri." The Missouri River is one of the longest rivers in North America, and crosses several states. It's possible that the singer is leaving the Shenandoah Valley to cross the Missouri River on some sort of journey. However, the true meaning of the journey is left open to interpretation. Is the singer leaving this idyllic place in search of something better, or are they simply traveling for the sake of the journey itself?


Line by Line Meaning

Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Oh Shenandoah, the sweet sound of your flowing waters fills my heart with a longing that cannot be quenched


Away, you lonely river
But alas, your waters flow away from me, leaving me to feel the pang of loneliness and separation


Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Once again, I cannot help but express the ache in my heart to hear the peaceful sound of your flowing waters


Away, I'm bound to go
Nevertheless, I must depart from this place, bound to follow through with the journey that lies before me


Across the wide Missouri
For I must traverse the great river of Missouri, in order to reach my destination and fulfill my purpose




Contributed by Mateo Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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