An American folk ballad is a narrative song passed down orally through generations, typically telling stories of love, tragedy, adventure, or historical events.
It often features simple language, repetitive structure, and a strong rhythmic pattern, making it easy to memorize and sing.
The American folk ballad has its roots in the ballad tradition of the British Isles, especially from England, Scotland, and Ireland. Ballads often addressed themes of justice, morality, and survival, reflecting community concerns and social issues of their time.
About the Song
Shenandoah is a traditional American folk ballad, deeply rooted in both maritime and folk music traditions. It is known for its melody and lyrics that describe the theme of love and belongingness.
American folklorist Alan Lomax suggested that Shenandoah was a sea shanty. The song is said to have originated in the early 19th century, although the true origin is uncertain.
Full Traditional Lyrics of Shenandoah
Missouri, she’s a mighty river.
Away you rolling river.
The redskins’ camp, lies on its borders.
Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri.
The white man loved the Indian maiden,
Away you rolling river.
With notions his canoe was laden.
Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri.
“O, Shenandoah, I love your daughter,
Away you rolling river.
I’ll take her ‘cross yon rolling water.”
Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri.
The chief disdained the trader’s dollars:
Away you rolling river.
“My daughter never you shall follow.”
Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri.
At last there came a Yankee skipper.
Away you rolling river.
He winked his eye, and he tipped his flipper.
Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri.
He sold the chief that fire-water,
Away you rolling river.
And ‘cross the river he stole his daughter.
Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri.
“O, Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Away you rolling river.
Across that wide and rolling river.”
Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri.
Version by Stephen White
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you,
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you,
Away, I’m bound away, across the wide Missouri.
Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Away, you rolling river
Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Away, I’m bound away, across the wide Missouri.
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, across the wide Missouri.
Version by The Tabernacle Choir
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away, we’re bound away, across the wide Missouri
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
Away, we’re bound away, across the wide Missouri
Tis seven long years, since last I saw you
Away you rolling river
Tis seven long years, since last I saw you
Away, we’re bound away across the wide Missouri
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
Away, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
Away, we’re bound away, across the wide Missouri
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
Across the wide Missouri
Oh, Shenandoah, oh, Shenandoah, oh, Shenandoah.
Version by Bruce Springsteen
Instrumental intro
Verse 1
Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Away, you rolling river
I’ll take her across the water
Chorus
Away, bound away
Across the wide
Verse 2
My Shenandoah, I long to meet you
Away, you rolling river
I’ll not deceive you
Chorus
Away, bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Instrumental break
Verse 3
For seven years I’ve been a rover
Away, you rolling river
Seven years I’ve been a rover
Chorus
Away, bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Verse 4
Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Away, you rolling river
I’ll take her across the water
Chorus
Away, bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Instrumental outro
Similar Songs Like Shenandoah
If you are a fan of American Folk ballads and loved the song Shenandoah, don’t miss out on these folk ballads, which share a similar composition and tone to Shenandoah:
- Danny Boy: An Irish ballad known for its poignant lyrics about parting, loss, and hope, set to the Londonderry Air.
- The Water is Wide: Classic traditional folk song about love and longing, often reflecting themes of separation and deep emotional connection.
- Red River Valley: Folk song of farewell and remembrance, centered on parting from a loved one in the American West.
- Home on the Range: A traditional American folk song celebrating the beauty and tranquility of the Western plains.
- Simple Gifts: Musical dance tune turned hymn celebrating simplicity, humility, and spiritual joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sea-Shanty?
A sea-shanty is a traditional folk work song sung in ancient times by sailors to accompanythe rhythm aboard labourers who are sailing large merchant sailing vessels.
Is Shenandoah Based on a True Story?
While the lyrics are partly fictional, they may reflect real experiences of settlers, traders, or sailors during America’s westward expansion.
