Red River Valley
Suzy Bogguss Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

From this valley they say you are going
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For they say you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened our pathways awhile

Come and sit by my side, if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Just remember the Red River Valley
And the one who loved you so true

I've been thinking a long time, my darling
Of the sweet words you never would say
Now, alas, must my fond hopes all vanish
For they say you are gong away

Do you think of the valley you're leaving
O how lonely and how dreary it will be
And do you think of the kind hearts you're breaking
And the pain you are causing to me

Come and sit by my side, if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Just remember the Red River Valley
And the one who loved you so true
As you go to your home by the ocean
May you never forget those sweet hours
That we spent in the red river valley
And blagh blagh woods

Come and sit by my side, if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu




Just remember the Red River Valley
And the one who loved you so true

Overall Meaning

The song "Red River Valley" by Suzy Bogguss is a traditional Western folk ballad featuring a conversation between two lovers who are about to be separated. The song begins with the singer expressing their sadness over the departure of their lover who is leaving the Red River Valley. They mention how much they will miss their lover's bright eyes and sweet smile and how their departure will take away the sunshine that has brightened their pathways.


The singer then pleads with their lover to stay a little while longer and not to bid them adieu so quickly. They reminisce about the wonderful moments they shared in Red River Valley and the love they shared. However, despite the singer's plea, their lover is determined to leave, leaving the singer heartbroken and alone. The final verse speaks of the great memories the lovers shared together and, though their physical separation is inevitable, the singer hopes their lover will never forget the wonderful times they shared in Red River Valley.


"Red River Valley" has been a popular folk ballad for decades with various artists putting their own spin on it, including Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, and Doc Watson. The song has been featured in movies, such as A Prairie Home Companion (2006), and in TV shows like The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. The song has also been covered by a variety of genres including country, pop, and even punk rock.


Line by Line Meaning

From this valley they say you are going
You're leaving this place and people are talking about it.


We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
People will miss your cheerful presence.


For they say you are taking the sunshine
People believe that you bring light to their lives.


That has brightened our pathways awhile
You've made things easier and more pleasant for us for a while.


Come and sit by my side, if you love me
If you care for me, stay here a little while longer with me.


Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Don't be in a rush to say goodbye.


Just remember the Red River Valley
Think about the place where we've shared memories.


And the one who loved you so true
Remember how I loved you sincerely and faithfully.


I've been thinking a long time, my darling
I've been contemplating for a while, my love.


Of the sweet words you never would say
I've been thinking about the kind things you didn't say to me.


Now, alas, must my fond hopes all vanish
Unfortunately, my expectations and hopes for us are now gone.


For they say you are gong away
Because you're departing.


Do you think of the valley you're leaving
Are you imagining the place you're leaving behind?


O how lonely and how dreary it will be
It will be empty and dismal without you.


And do you think of the kind hearts you're breaking
Have you considered the pain you're causing to your loved ones?


And the pain you are causing to me
And the sorrow that I'm experiencing because of your departure.


Come and sit by my side, if you love me
Stay here with me a little longer if you truly love me.


As you go to your home by the ocean
As you leave for your new home near the sea.


May you never forget those sweet hours
Remember the happy moments we've shared and treasure them.


That we spent in the red river valley
The moments we shared in the beautiful landscape of the Red River Valley.


And blagh blagh woods
This seems to be an incorrect line of the song that has no meaning.




Contributed by Nolan V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions