Shanandoah

Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
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,
I'll take her 'cross Your rollin' water,
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.

'Tis seven years, I've been a rover,
Away you rolling river,
When I return, I'll be your lover,
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you.
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I'll not deceive you.
Away, I'm bound away
Cross the wide Missouri.

The lyrics may tell the story of a roving trader in love with the daughter of an Indian chief; in this interpretation, the rover tells the chief of his intent to take the girl with him far to the west, across the Missouri River.

The song is also associated with escaped slaves. They were said to sing the song in gratitude because the river allowed their scent to be lost. The Shenandoah area made many parts like wheels and seats for wagons going west. Lyrics were undoubtedly added by rivermen, settlers, and the millions who went west.