Called "America's Choir" by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, 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
The 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.
The song Shenandoah is a classic American folk song that tells the story of a man's longing for the beloved Shenandoah River and its surrounding valley. The lyrics express the singer's deep connection to the river, the land, and the people of Shenandoah, who he is reluctantly leaving behind to travel across the wide Missouri River. The song's melancholic melody and soothing harmonies capture the essence of longing and nostalgia, evoking a sense of yearning for the past and the familiar.
The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song as the singer expresses his desire to hear the Shenandoah river's soothing sounds. The second verse shifts focus to the singer's affection for a woman who is the metaphorical daughter of the Shenandoah region, expressing his deep love for her. The third verse acknowledges the inevitability of the singer's departure and his promise to return to Shenandoah someday. The final verse reiterates the singer's yearning to see the river again, highlighting the longing for home and the sense of belonging that comes with it.
Overall, Shenandoah is a poignant tribute to both the beauty of the natural world and the power of human connection. It captures the essence of what it means to feel a deep sense of loss and longing for something that is an integral part of who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
I have a deep yearning to hear the soothing sounds of the Shenandoah river.
Away, you rolling river
Oh Shenandoah, you are a vast and flowing river that stretches across the land.
Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter,
My affection extends to your daughter, dear Shenandoah.
Away, I'm bound away, cross the wide Missouri.
I must leave to traverse the vast expanse of the Missouri, carrying my fondness for Shenandoah's daughter with me.
Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you,
I am compelled to depart, dear Shenandoah.
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you,
It is my fervent desire to behold the beauty of the Shenandoah river once more.
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.😞❤️