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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Oh, Shenandoah is one of the most famous (and beautiful) of all the sea shanties. Its origins may be found in Virginia, where there is a river of the same name. And it has also been considered for adoption as Virginia's official state song. 

This river-boatman's song found its way down the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers to the clipper ships and hence round the world. Thus it started life as a river shanty and gradually became adopted by seafarers as a sea shanty. It is probably more a folksong of the sea than a sea shanty. Nevertheless it was (and still is) a popular sailing song. One also for a concert performance (several famous singers have arranged and sung versions of the song); an evening get-together or a sing-along in the 'Sailors Arms'.

The song relates the tale of a roving trader who falls in love with an Indian chief's daughter, and tells the chief about his intention to take the girl with him to the far west, across the Missouri River.

Oh, Shenandoah
(4 bar intro)

Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you.
Chorus: Away you rolling river.
Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you.
Chorus: Away, I'm bound to go
'Cross the wide Missouri.
(4 bar interlude)

Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter.
Chorus: Away you rolling river.
Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter.
Chorus: Away, I'm bound to go
'Cross the wide Missouri.
(4 bar interlude)

'Tis seven long years since last I saw you.
Chorus: Away you rolling river.
'Tis seven long years since last I saw you.
Chorus: Away, I'm bound to go
'Cross the wide Missouri.
(4 bar interlude)

Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I took a notion.
Chorus: Away you rolling river.
Solo: To sail across the stormy ocean.
Chorus: Away, I'm bound to go
'Cross the wide Missouri.
(4 bar interlude)

Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you.
Chorus: Away you rolling river.
Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you.
Chorus: Away, I'm bound to go
'Cross the wide Missouri.
(4 bar interlude)

Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you.
Chorus: Away you rolling river.
Solo: Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you.
Chorus: Away, I'm bound to go
'Cross the wide Missouri.

It is a beauty isn't it? Like to cross the Missouri again?

OR Would you prefer to visit the Rio Grande?

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