Since exploding onto the UK goth scene in 2019 ::WESTENRA:: have been building a reputation for captivating live performances of their stylish and atmospheric sound. Their debut album "First Light" was released in January 2021 to rave reviews, followed by a cover version of the Cliff Richard classic "Devil Woman" in March 2022 - a taster for the new, bigger sound featured on the four track EP "B R E A T H E" which was released in July 2022. Their version of Iron Maiden’s "Number of the Beast" - originally meant as an exclusive live performance to celebrate their headlining the Whitby Krampus Run Ball - was released in February 2023, with proceeds going to the Whitby Krampus Run chosen charities.
May 2022 saw Whitby Abbey invite the band to perform within its grounds as part of their celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the novel Dracula - this generated substantial national and international exposure for the band, with the area that they performed in front of now known as “The ::WESTENRA:: Arches”.
2023 was another exciting year for ::WESTENRA:: as they released the "Toxic Little Tales" EP ahead of playing the prestigious TOMORROW’S GHOSTS FESTIVAL in Whitby in October, with gothic rock superstars The Mission and post-punk legends Theatre Of Hate.
Website: westenra.band
Merch: westenra.bandcamp.com/merch
Shenandoah
Westenra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Away, you rollin' river
O Shenandoah, I long to hear you.
Away I'm bound to go
'Cross the wide Missouri.
'Tis seven long years since I last saw you
Away, you rollin' river
'Tis seven long years since last I saw you
'Cross the wide Missouri.
Oh Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you
Away, you rollin' river.
O Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you,
Away I'm bound to go
'Cross the wide Missouri.
The lyrics to "Shenandoah" by Hayley Westenra are a poignant expression of longing and nostalgia for a place and time that has long passed. The singer expresses a deep desire to hear the sound of the Shenandoah river again, which has been rolling on relentlessly for all these years. The river embodies the passage of time and change, as well as the way life moves on despite one's personal feelings.
The second half of the song further emphasizes the theme of leaving and moving on, as the singer describes how they are "bound to go" across the wide Missouri. This represents a physical and metaphorical journey, as the person is leaving behind the memory of the river and perhaps other significant aspects of their past. The final line, "I'll not deceive you," suggests a sense of honesty and resolution, as if the singer is willing to confront the feelings of loss and desire head-on rather than trying to deceive themselves or others about their true emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
The singer has a strong desire to listen to the Shenandoah River.
Away, you rollin' river
The river rolls away, stemming from its source and flowing without obstruction until it reaches its end.
O Shenandoah, I long to hear you.
The singer repeats their desire to hear the Shenandoah's soothing sounds.
Away I'm bound to go 'Cross the wide Missouri.
The singer is heading westward, crossing the expansive Missouri river.
'Tis seven long years since I last saw you Away, you rollin' river
It's been seven years since the singer last saw the Shenandoah River that keeps on flowing endlessly.
'Tis seven long years since last I saw you Away I'm bound to go 'Cross the wide Missouri.
The singer has been away for a considerable amount of time and is now set to move further west crossing the Missouri River.
Oh Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you Away, you rollin' river.
The singer is preparing to leave the Shenandoah river behind, which continues its uninterrupted flow.
O Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you, Away I'm bound to go 'Cross the wide Missouri.
The singer promises not to deceive the river, and reiterates his plan to head west and cross the Missouri River.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: D HOLMBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind