After taking a brief recording hiatus in the mid-1990s to start a family with her husband, songwriter Doug Crider, Bogguss returned to the country music scene to find that her charting power had already faded. Although she last appeared on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart in 1999, Bogguss continues to record and perform around the country to a loyal following.
Her most recent recordings have ventured into swing and jazz variations of country. These albums really showcase the tremendous talent in her voice. Suzy is a true singer, and her voice has so much versatility.
In 2014, Suzy added an album of Merle Haggard songs entitled "Lucky". The country & western flavor dominates this album, unlike some of her other recent work. To promote this new album, Suzy has embarked on a nationwide tour.
shenandoah
Suzy Bogguss 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
It's seven long years since last I saw you
Away you rolling river
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you,
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri
The song "Shenandoah" is a traditional American folk song that has been passed down from generation to generation. The song is believed to have come from the early 1800s and its origins are attributed to the Native American tribes of the region. The song refers to the Shenandoah River, which runs through Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.
In the first verse, the singer expresses a deep longing to hear the Shenandoah River again. The river is described as a "rolling river," which is a metaphor for the passing of time. The singer implies that it has been a long time since they have heard the river's soothing sound. The second verse reveals that it has been seven long years since the singer last saw the river. The seven-year gap creates a sense of distance and separation, which intensifies the singer's desire to be reunited with the river. The repetition of the opening line emphasizes the singer's yearning for the river.
The third verse introduces a new element to the song. The singer reveals that they are leaving the Shenandoah River and are bound to cross the wide Missouri River. The line "I'll not deceive you" suggests that the river means a great deal to the singer and that they do not want to give the impression that they are abandoning it. The final line "Cross the wide Missouri" emphasizes that the singer is departing for new horizons, but also suggests that they are leaving a part of themselves behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
The singer deeply desires to listen to Shenandoah once again.
Away, you rolling river
The river is moving ceaselessly, taking the singer far away from Shenandoah.
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
The singer continues to express their deep longing to hear the sound of Shenandoah.
Away, I'm bound away
The artist has no choice but to continue their journey away from Shenandoah.
'Cross the wide Missouri
The artist must make their way across the wide Missouri river to continue their journey, further away from Shenandoah.
It's seven long years since last I saw you
The singer hasn't seen Shenandoah in seven years, which makes their longing for it even stronger.
Away, you rolling river
The ever-flowing river keeps taking the singer away from Shenandoah, making the distance even greater.
It's seven long years since last I saw you
The artist reiterates that it's been a long time since they've been in Shenandoah's presence.
Away, I'm bound away
The artist is still continuing their journey further away, which saddens them deeply.
'Cross the wide Missouri
The artist must keep moving further and further away from Shenandoah until they cross the wide Missouri river.
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
While the singer does not want to leave, they must continue their journey.
Away, you rolling river
The river continues to roll on, making the artist's leaving even more poignant.
Oh, Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you
The singer promises not to deceive Shenandoah as they leave.
Away, I'm bound away
The singer recognizes they must continue with their journey, no matter how much leaving Shenandoah behind hurts.
'Cross the wide Missouri
The singer must continue even while crossing the wide Missouri river, still quite far from Shenandoah.
Contributed by Nathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@oneminutehowto3575
The most underrated 90s country artist. She is a true class act.
@Gary-xg9px
Damn. What a beautiful beautiful voice. Suzy is all alone on this gorgeous song. Her voice is so perfect. A gorgeous lady also.😊❤
@hreiss1965
Outstanding Performance. Susie is one of the best. 👍🏻🇺🇸
@robertkaufman-sw6wd
Nice lady, too!
@timburleson1078
I don't see why Suzy doesn't get the recognition she deserves. She has an amazing voice and is a wonderful talent.
@janefriel6895
I had a radio show on local radio many years ago.I played Suzy Boggus often.Why has she not been better known?
@annedyken2961
She might want it that way. She still plays music and looks so happy. Extreme Wealth and Fame isn't everyone's goal.
@franko1616
God, gave Suzy, the voice of an angle. Her voice is a beautifully toned instrument that she uses effortlessly! Seriously! She stands alone. As nobody can really compete their voice with hers. And she's also a beautiful person...and easy to look at. May she never stop singing!
@danlamay7035
Makes a good, wine n unwind. Night.
@hwrk777
What a beautiful voice. Suzy's my all time favorite country girl singer.