Shenandoah
Van Morrison & The Chieftains Lyrics


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Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Look away, you rollin' river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Now the Missouri is a mighty river
Look away, you rollin' river
Indians camp a long her border
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Well, a white man loved an Indian maiden
Look away, you rollin' river
With notions his canoe was laden
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Look away, you rollin' river
It was for her I'd cross the water
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

For seven long years I courted Sally
Look away, you rollin' river
Seven more years I longed to have her
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Well, it's fare-thee-well, my dear, I'm bound to leave you
Look away, you rollin' river
Shenandoah, I will not deceive you




Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Overall Meaning

The song Shenandoah is a traditional American folk song that has been popular across generations. The song is performed by Van Morrison and The Chieftains, and its lyrics are about a man longing to hear the Shenandoah river. The opening lines of the song, "Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you, Look away, you rollin' river," convey the deep emotions the singer feels about the river. He longs to hear its sounds and sets his sights on crossing the wide Missouri river to meet it.


As he sings, he talks about the Missouri river as a mighty river, with Indians camped along its border. He then tells the story of a white man who falls in love with an Indian maiden. He is laden with notions and sets out on his canoe to cross the Missouri river. He also expresses his love for the maiden's daughter and how he is willing to cross the water to be with her.


In the end, he bids farewell to his dear and promises not to deceive her as he sets out on his journey across the wide Missouri. The song is a story of longing, love, and enduring passion. The lyrics are deeply emotive and convey the complexity of human emotions. The singer's love for the river and his beloved is vividly portrayed, making the song a timeless classic.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
The singer deeply desires to hear the sweet sound of the Shenandoah river


Look away, you rollin' river
The singer acknowledges the river's presence but cannot look upon it for fear of becoming lost in thought


Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear
The singer reiterates their longing to hear the Shenandoah, emphasizing its importance


Look away, we're bound away
The artist urges themselves and others to move away from the river and towards their destination


Across the wide Missouri.
The artist indicates the Missouri River is their next great challenge to overcome


Now the Missouri is a mighty river
The singer acknowledges the power and majesty of the Missouri, respecting the challenges it will present


Indians camp a long her border
The singer recognizes the presence of Indigenous peoples along the Missouri's border, possibly implying the need for caution


Well, a white man loved an Indian maiden
The artist tells a love story between a white man and an Indigenous woman, exposing the relationship's complexities


With notions his canoe was laden
The artist implies the white man had preconceived notions or ideas he brought with him when courting the Indigenous woman


Shenandoah, I love your daughter
The artist is addressing Shenandoah for the first time, confessing his love for a woman from the area


It was for her I'd cross the water
The singer expresses his willingness to go to great lengths, even crossing the Missouri River, in pursuit of the woman he loves


For seven long years I courted Sally
The artist has spent seven years courting his love, Sally


Seven more years I longed to have her
The singer has spent an additional seven years longing for Sally, but not yet possessing her


Well, it's fare-thee-well, my dear, I'm bound to leave you
The singer is saying goodbye to Sally, knowing he must leave her behind


Shenandoah, I will not deceive you
The singer is once again addressing Shenandoah, promising not to deceive the area or its inhabitants


Look away, we're bound away
The artist once again urges himself and others to move away from the river and towards their destination, emphasizing the need to stay focused


Across the wide Missouri.
The artist restates the goal of crossing the Missouri with a sense of determination




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@terrimiller501

Every time I hear Van sing this version of Shenandoah I truly understand why my lovely husband of 50years wishes it be played at his memorial service someday...the story has so much to tell that few may take in...♥️

@vanmorrisonofficial-_

Am always glad to receive positive comments from my lovely fans,it's my pleasure bringing sweet melody to my lovely fan,❤❤hope you don't stop listening to my music and thanks for your sincere compliment I really appreciate,have you been to any of my concerts?

@jahensley1795

Beautiful. Thank you Van and Chieftains ❤️💚🍀

@vanmorrisonofficial-_

Am always glad to receive positive comments from my lovely fans,it's my pleasure bringing sweet melody to my lovely fan,❤💖💖❤hope you don't stop listening to my music and thanks for your sincere compliment I really appreciate,have you been to any of my concerts?

@realgone222

I remember reading about this, never knew I would actually watch it 20+ years later.

@ednasoaresbrasil3040

Beautiful presentation! I close my eyes and transport myself, feeling present in this wonderful moment. Thank you for sharing!👏👏🙌❤️

@efc-tblue

Sir George Ivan the greatest vocalist ever!

@dr.richardkimble6780

Unbelievable for poor Lisa RIP baby from Seamus

@evelynoconnor3062

SUCH A GREAT ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION.OF A WONDERFUL.CLASSIC SONG BY THE VERY VERSATILE VAN MORRISON.

@vanmorrisonofficial-_

Am always glad to receive positive comments from my lovely fans,it's my pleasure bringing sweet melody to my lovely fan,❤❤💖💖hope you don't stop listening to my music and thanks for your sincere compliment I really appreciate,have you been to any of my concerts?

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