shenandoah
Voices of the Valley Lyrics
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Look away, you rollin' river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Look away. We're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Now the Missouri is a mighty river
Look away, you rollin' river.
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
Oh 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
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Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Away, you rolling river,
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Away, I'm bound away,
across the wide Missouri.
Shenandoah, I love your daughter,
Away, you rolling river,
It's been seven long years since I saw her…
Shenandoah, I took a notion
Away, you rolling river,
To sail across the stormy ocean…
The missouri she's a mighty river
Away, you rolling river,
When she rolls down her topsails quiver…
Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
Away, you rolling river,
Oh shenandoah, I'll not deceive you…
Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Away, you rolling river,
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you…
The song "Shenandoah" is a classic American folk song that originated as a river shanty among sailors along the Missouri River. The song has several versions and interpretations, but the most popular one tells the story of a man who longs to hear the Shenandoah River in Virginia, while he sails away across the Missouri River. The song has several verses that describe the beauty of the rivers, the struggle of the Native Americans, and the love between a white man and an Indian girl. The song has a melancholic melody that captures the longing and nostalgia of the sailor who is leaving his loved ones behind.
The first stanza of the song sets the tone for the rest of the verses, as it describes the sorrowful feeling of the singer who longs to hear the Shenandoah River. The second stanza talks about the Missouri River and the Native Americans who camp along its borders, emphasizing the natural beauty and cultural significance of the river. The third and fourth stanzas talk about the love between a white man and an Indian girl, showing how their cultural differences do not impede their love. The fifth and sixth stanzas talk about the singer's own love story, as he courts Sally for seven long years until he finally wins her love. The last stanza is a farewell to Shenandoah as the singer sails away across the wide Missouri River.
Overall, the song "Shenandoah" is a classic example of American folk music that has transcended time and generations. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Expressing a longing to hear the sounds of the Shenandoah River.
Away, you rolling river,
Distancing oneself from the River.
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Reiterating the strong desire to listen to the River.
Away, I'm bound away,
Preparing to leave and travel across the Missouri River.
Across the wide Missouri.
Referring to crossing the Missouri River.
Shenandoah, I love your daughter,
Admitting affection for a woman, Sally, who is the daughter of the Shenandoah River.
Away, you rolling river,
Distancing oneself from the River.
It's been seven long years since I saw her…
Expressing the length of time that has passed since seeing Sally.
Shenandoah, I took a notion
Deciding to take action, referring to the notion of sailing across the ocean to see Sally.
Away, you rolling river,
Distancing oneself from the River.
To sail across the stormy ocean…
Referring to the intention to sail across a large body of water despite the associated risks.
The Missouri she's a mighty river
Describing the strength and power of the Missouri River.
Away, you rolling river,
Distancing oneself from the River.
When she rolls down her topsails quiver…
Describing the movement of the River causing the sails to shake.
Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
Acknowledging the River before departing on a journey.
Away, you rolling river,
Distancing oneself from the River.
Oh Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you…
Assuring the River that there will be no deception.
Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Reiterating the strong desire to listen to the River.
Away, you rolling river,
Distancing oneself from the River.
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you…
Expressing a longing to hear the sounds of the Shenandoah River.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sarahbrooks1471
Just beautiful❤
@lornaedwards4480
This has to be one of the most beautiful melodies of all time and sung to perfection by the Welsh Fron Male Voice Choir.
@lutondaddy6651
I remember when I was a young boy coming home early from playing out and catching my mum singing this song to herself I wish I could here her singing again. She will Always be in my deepest loving memorys love you mum
@aattura1541
I had the sacred honor of driving through the Shenandoah Valley in the 60's and early 70's before I-66 was built -- what a sacred beautiful experience -- silent forests, streams meandering, waterfalls from water flowing from a high-up stream that was so pure folks would bottle it to bring home. Mists rising from the mountains in the very early pre-dawn while shadowy figures of animals padded across the highway - we though we saw a puma once. Did we??? The silent but extremely soul stirring symphony of dawn embracing the land with a new day enfolding old unspoken memories from within the ancient caverns below the rocky soil as the sun rose again, majestically, silently but all-knowingly. And at night-- stars, millions of stars, and galaxies in the skies that surely held some kind of code for us to read. Put on the cloak of innocence and beauty -- Release your anger, hatred and fear -- it does not dwell here.. My heart is full but I am crying.
@aattura1541
Not to sound trivial but I can play this on the harmonica. It takes me back 161 years
@cricketeurope
A fantastic rendition of one of the greatest songs and tunes of all time!
@cricketeurope
Since I posted this comment my wife has died suddenly. She and I loved the western USA and visited almost every year for the past 30 years so I had it played at her funeral service. Poignant and so uplifting.
@aattura1541
@@cricketeurope My deepest condolences. May she rest in Peace and Love.
@garndiffaithgleemenmalevoi9560
Fantastic performance of a beautiful song
@iamfinky
I really, really love this version - beats any by any other choice I've heard :)