Bluegrass Band Delivers Exquisite Performance of ‘Shenandoah’

Becky Burr and Bluegrass boys rendition of the song ‘Shenandoah’ is such a gem.

With beautiful shots of the auburn sky, snow clad mountains and a quite creek with stones covered in snow. The music is soft yet lively and has a soothing effect on the listeners. The sound of the fiddle complements well the quick rhythm of the guitar, distinct and true to the Bluegrass style of music.

It is uncertain how this traditional folk song “Oh Shenandoah” originated, but it is believed to have been sung by American and Canadian voyageurs or fur traders who traveled along the Missouri River in the early 19th century.

Oh Shenandoah,
I long to see you,
Away, you rolling river.
Oh Shenandoah,
I long to see you,
Way, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah,
I love your daughter,
Away, you rolling river.
For her I’d cross
Your roaming waters,
Way, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

‘Tis seven years
since last I’ve seen you,
Away, you rolling river.
‘Tis seven years
since last I’ve seen you,
Way, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
And hear your rolling river.
Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
Way, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
Far away, you rolling river.
Oh Shenandoah,
Just to be near you,
Far away, far away.
Across the wide Missouri.

Some versions of the lyrics, dating back to before 1860, tell a story about a trader who falls in love with the daughter of Chief Shenandoah, who is buried on the grounds of what later became Hamilton College.

The song has also been known by various other titles, including “Across the Wide Missouri”, “Rolling River”, “Oh, My Rolling River”, and “World of Misery”.

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