Shenandoah (A) [172-173] (139-140)

A classic slow capstan chantey, first reports of "Shenandoah" were indeed as a chantey, though it has been speculated that it may have come to sailors via an earlier song of riverboat men. This first version of Hugill came from an African-American informant and it contains some of the "typical" wording of the nostalgic Southern U.S. songs of the early-mid 19th century. More notably, this version, while retaining the idea of "Shenandoah" as a beloved (who one is missing), does focus on the river by saying one is bound ON the Missouri, not away ACROSS it -- lending credence to the "riverboat men" theory.

This particular variation had "wide Missouri," but in honor of much older textual references I have used the variation "wild".

See the whole "Shanties from the Seven Seas" project, here:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=58B55DD66F22060C

Category:

Music

Tags:

• shenandoah
• song
• hultonclint
• ranzo

[raymondcrooke]

Great song, Ranzo. I've always loved this one. 5*

[hultonclint]

It has one of the best melodies! I am also fond of the general, if mysterious, theme of the separation from the beloved and hearing/seeing him/her in dreams.

[geoff1945]

Funnily, I have just been listening to a guy singing a seafaring song who noted that he had been corrected for calling it a shanty. I remembered our first meeting and asked if it had been the same person but no, it wasn't you! lol (It was Greenland Fisheries - casetone2514)

I just love your chorus. You men could make serious pocket money carol-singing in like vein.

Have a great Christmas and much good cheer!

Geoff

[hultonclint]

ha! Well, if I was in a cranky mood (I'm not) there is a lot more I could "correct" on his video description :-)

Best wishes to you, Geoff, and Merry Christmas.

[geoff1945]

Promise you won't ever change, Ranzo! lol