SHENANDOAH
Seán Keane Lyrics

Seán Keane's song Shenandoah is a traditional American folk song that tells the tale of a man who is longing to see the river Shenandoah. The first verse opens with an expression of the man's desire to return to the river. His use of the word "long" conveys the intensity of his longing. He then repeats the phrase "Away, you rollin' river" to emphasize the distance between him and the Shenandoah. In the second verse, the man speaks of a white man who loved an Indian maiden. The man's love was so great that he promised to take her away in his canoe, which represents the classic story of forbidden love. The third verse reveals that the man is in love with Shenandoah's daughter. He would cross the stormy water for her. The final verse declares that the man is bound to leave the river, but he assures the river that he will not deceive it. He is bound for the wide Missouri.

The song Shenandoah is a classic example of a sea shanty, which is a type of work song that was sung by sailors while performing tasks aboard a ship. The song is believed to have originated among the voyageurs, who were French Canadian fur traders and explorers in North America. Its melody has a timeless quality that has allowed it to transcend both generations and cultures. Though the origin of the Shenandoah River's name is uncertain, the song has become an emblematic folk melody that celebrates the beauty of the river.