Always loved this. I have been singing it for 50 years. Notice the difference between RT's edgy, humorous introduction and his absolute emotional commitment to the song once he starts singing. A real pro at music AND entertaining.
From the Archive of the Library of Congress; Perhaps one of America’s most recognizable folk tunes, the origins of "Shenandoah" are not so easily deciphered. Like many folksongs, it is impossible to determine exactly when the song was composed, yet it probably did not originate later than the Civil War. In any case, by the nineteenth century, "Shenandoah" had achieved widespread popularity, both on land and at sea. American folklorist Alan Lomax suggested that "Shenandoah" was a sea-shanty and that the "composers" quite possibly were French-Canadian voyageurs. Sea shanties were work songs used by sailors to coordinate the efforts of completing chores such as raising the ship’s anchor or hauling ropes. The formal structure of a shanty is simple: it consists of a solo lead that alternates with a boisterous chorus. With the sweeping melodic line of its familiar refrain, "Shenandoah" is the very nature of a sea shanty; indeed, the song’s first appearance in print was in an article by William L. Alden, titled “Sailor Songs,” that was published in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine (1882). As unclear as is the song’s origin, so is the definitive interpretation of its text. Some believe that the song refers to the river of the same name. Others suggest that it is of Native American origin, for it tells the tale of Sally, the daughter of the Indian Chief Shenandoah, who is courted for seven years by a white Missouri river trader. Regardless of these textual discrepancies, "Shenandoah" remains an American classic. My take; If Virginians claim it, they earned it. Good cover by Thompson no doubt.
The older lyrics, 'A white man loved an Indian maiden, with notions his canoe was laden' etc suggest that this was a frontiersmen's song - trappers and traders, 'notions' were trade goods - before it became the shanty as which it is better known. Marvellous, haunting song, either way.
+Colin McDonald I agree. It has always seemed to me that the words come from a time (early 1800s?) when the Missouri was the frontier between 'civilisation' and the unknown. The chorus has always suggested a man setting out into the unknown; leaving all he knows and loves, with no certainty of coming back. In any interpretation it's a beautiful song.
I think you chaps are right. I was thinking the Missouri didn't sound a big enough deal reach into the soul and pull out a song like this but when you put into the context of a trappers life it all becomes more real and understandable.
The early French voyageurs were a courageous, hardy lot indeed. They ventured farther west and north as eastern beaver populations diminished. Eventually their network extended from Montreal to Lake Athabasca. They had many portages where each man had to carry several packs of pelts and supplies over land as well as their canoes. It was brutally hard, dangerous work. The most common cause of death was strangulated hernia.
Such an old and popular song has been sung millions of ways by all manner of people. Surely, this version is different from the original, but I love it anyway, and it’s the one I’ll have in mind when I try to sing it.
@trackie 1957 - I had the privilege of seeing RT and co. doing the 1000 years concert at Brighton UK. First time seeing RT live and was not disappointed. I love this version of Shenandoah but - if you sing - check out the choir versions - lots of different arrangements to choose from.
Must be Missouri not Virginia, I always get tearyeyed when I hear this song. I'm from Missouri:)
Před 10 lety+4
Ach es gibt so viele schöne Versionen und der Mensch hat so viele Talente, wie diese Tolle Aufnahme die mein Herz nur berührt, aber das schafft nicht jeder.
From what I understand this was originally a song associated with the fur traders of the American West. A work song sung while paddling canoe up and down the Missouri. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh_Shenandoah
You're wrong. Not about a place. About a person. Shenadoah, Chief of the Oneida. For whom the river in Virginia was named. An outsider loved his daughter and took her far away....
First of all - greatest respect for Richard Thompson. Secondly, does anyone know what tuning he's using here? I suspect DADGAD [??] but it looks like the 6th string is dropped to D. I'd appreciate if anyone can give me an idea what tuning he's in and what chords he's playing. Tabs perhaps? Thanks! :D
Much as I love Van the Man I prefer this version. Just goes to show there is no one version of a song which suits everyone. I actually prefer Arlo Guthrie's version even more than either of them.
He actual does sound drunk. He's wavering all over the place, practically mumbling. This is a BIG song, meant for a big bold voice. Until folkies got their hands on it, it was always (so far as ample history records, that is) a song belted out on ships with a "heavy" chorus of men. Even tho Robeson is a "classical" rather than so-called "folk" singer, his rendition is more in the spirit. This rendition is more like after drinking spirits.
He doesn't seem to get what this song is about at all. I wish people with this kind of quiet voiced guitar plunking "folk music" would stay away from diluting old time choruses like this. He says it's a chanty, then proceeds to sing it like a homeless wino looking for spare change.
Certain arse holes come along in all periods of time ...Trump...I would align you you with his outlook on life hul ton full of waste material....you remind me of some folk club in habitants ? and why have the younger folk just about emptied the place ? because of you and your like ...so what is wrong with a difference to a song or tune ? its good thing we have musicians to take us out of the same old boring sound of hultonclint ...
This man's voice is like drops of Warm Honey holding back the beginnings of an avalanche - beautiful
Always loved this. I have been singing it for 50 years. Notice the difference between RT's edgy, humorous introduction and his absolute emotional commitment to the song once he starts singing. A real pro at music AND entertaining.
Absolutely!
Brings a tear.
Been a shenandoah morning : how many are there? (the seekers "water is wide" is also fine). Cheers. Jeremy
From the Archive of the Library of Congress; Perhaps one of America’s most recognizable folk tunes, the origins
of "Shenandoah" are not so easily deciphered. Like many folksongs, it is
impossible to determine exactly when the song was composed, yet it
probably did not originate later than the Civil War. In any case, by the
nineteenth century, "Shenandoah" had achieved widespread popularity,
both on land and at sea.
American folklorist Alan Lomax suggested that "Shenandoah"
was a sea-shanty and that the "composers" quite possibly were
French-Canadian voyageurs. Sea shanties were work songs used by
sailors to coordinate the efforts of completing chores such as raising
the ship’s anchor or hauling ropes. The formal structure of a shanty is
simple: it consists of a solo lead that alternates with a boisterous
chorus. With the sweeping melodic line of its familiar refrain,
"Shenandoah" is the very nature of a sea shanty; indeed, the song’s
first appearance in print was in an article by William L. Alden, titled
“Sailor Songs,” that was published in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine (1882).
As unclear as is the song’s origin, so is the definitive
interpretation of its text. Some believe that the song refers to the
river of the same name. Others suggest that it is of Native American
origin, for it tells the tale of Sally, the daughter of the Indian Chief
Shenandoah, who is courted for seven years by a white Missouri river
trader. Regardless of these textual discrepancies, "Shenandoah" remains
an American classic. My take; If Virginians claim it, they earned it. Good cover by Thompson no doubt.
Regardless of the intended location this song will always makes expat Virginians homesick.
If there's a better American song, I'd like to hear it. And a Brit delivers an arguably definitive performance of it!
long time coming this reply. Arlo Guthrie's version is superb too
The older lyrics, 'A white man loved an Indian maiden, with notions his canoe was laden' etc suggest that this was a frontiersmen's song - trappers and traders, 'notions' were trade goods - before it became the shanty as which it is better known. Marvellous, haunting song, either way.
+Colin McDonald I agree. It has always seemed to me that the words come from a time (early 1800s?) when the Missouri was the frontier between 'civilisation' and the unknown. The chorus has always suggested a man setting out into the unknown; leaving all he knows and loves, with no certainty of coming back. In any interpretation it's a beautiful song.
I think you chaps are right. I was thinking the Missouri didn't sound a big enough deal reach into the soul and pull out a song like this but when you put into the context of a trappers life it all becomes more real and understandable.
The early French voyageurs were a courageous, hardy lot indeed. They ventured farther west and north as eastern beaver populations diminished. Eventually their network extended from Montreal to Lake Athabasca. They had many portages where each man had to carry several packs of pelts and supplies over land as well as their canoes. It was brutally hard, dangerous work. The most common cause of death was strangulated hernia.
Brakes my heart for things and people lost.
Those old songs are still beautiful,
River is Wide.Danny Boy.
Beautiful rendition by the great Richard Thompson.Jim.Liverpool.
Such an old and popular song has been sung millions of ways by all manner of people. Surely, this version is different from the original, but I love it anyway, and it’s the one I’ll have in mind when I try to sing it.
@trackie 1957 - I had the privilege of seeing RT and co. doing the 1000 years concert at Brighton UK. First time seeing RT live and was not disappointed.
I love this version of Shenandoah but - if you sing - check out the choir versions - lots of different arrangements to choose from.
Again , A Big Legend , AGreat Musician and Singer !!
I dont know much songs , but What i see is GREATNESS
Really shows off how strong his voice is love it
Is that because he excels at an instrument and strongly sings songs without autotune??
Unlike most popular artists today
RT is fabulous - an amazing musician.
No dry eye in the house. So beautiful.
Wonder voice! I love his song with Mary Black!
Must be Missouri not Virginia, I always get tearyeyed when I hear this song. I'm from Missouri:)
Ach es gibt so viele schöne Versionen und der Mensch hat so viele Talente, wie diese Tolle Aufnahme die mein Herz nur berührt, aber das schafft nicht jeder.
PROPER music.
From what I understand this was originally a song associated with the fur traders of the American West. A work song sung while paddling canoe up and down the Missouri. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh_Shenandoah
BRILLIANT!!!!! Now we know the origins of the song-definitely an old Irish Ditty, with soul and about Death.
There's something in my eye...
You can really hear the sea shanty origins of this classic in RT's version. Beautiful!
Best version by far!
He resembles my uncle Mike in so many ways.
RT=Genius, simple as that.
simply georgeous
You're wrong. Not about a place. About a person. Shenadoah, Chief of the Oneida. For whom the river in Virginia was named. An outsider loved his daughter and took her far away....
Perfect!
If you want a faster bluegrass version, check out Trampled By Turtles. It's on the Duluth cd.
Beautiful
Englands Bob Dylan...geneis!!
His got it right on the money
Wonderful
i
Listen to Bruce Springsteen's version of this song, simply search the name of the song along with Bruce's name.
If he wants people to sing along he shouldn't sing so beautifully, I only sing along when I want to make a lousy singer sound better!
I have been to a few of his shows and would rather listen to his guitar playing than sing along
What kind of guitar tuning is RT using for this song???
First of all - greatest respect for Richard Thompson. Secondly, does anyone know what tuning he's using here? I suspect DADGAD [??] but it looks like the 6th string is dropped to D. I'd appreciate if anyone can give me an idea what tuning he's in and what chords he's playing. Tabs perhaps? Thanks! :D
@pumpsiegr The Definitive Version? Mr. Paul Robeson; nice version also by T.E. Ford. This is pretty good.
Rah Virginia Mil!
great version by RT, but Dave Alvin's is still my favorite
!!!
Listen to Van Morrison's version. Period
Much as I love Van the Man I prefer this version. Just goes to show there is no one version of a song which suits everyone. I actually prefer Arlo Guthrie's version even more than either of them.
Good version, but Richard's explanation is pure BS, this song is about the river in Virginia.
Nice but far far too low
He actual does sound drunk. He's wavering all over the place, practically mumbling. This is a BIG song, meant for a big bold voice. Until folkies got their hands on it, it was always (so far as ample history records, that is) a song belted out on ships with a "heavy" chorus of men. Even tho Robeson is a "classical" rather than so-called "folk" singer, his rendition is more in the spirit. This rendition is more like after drinking spirits.
Nice try but he has been teetotal for most of his life.
UTTER CRAP
He doesn't seem to get what this song is about at all. I wish people with this kind of quiet voiced guitar plunking "folk music" would stay away from diluting old time choruses like this. He says it's a chanty, then proceeds to sing it like a homeless wino looking for spare change.
Certain arse holes come along in all periods of time ...Trump...I would align you you with his outlook on life hul ton full of waste material....you remind me of some folk club in habitants ? and why have the younger folk just about emptied the place ? because of you and your like ...so what is wrong with a difference to a song or tune ? its good thing we have musicians to take us out of the same old boring sound of hultonclint ...
Wow, you’re a mean spirited asshole.
He shouldn't have tried this song.
is he drunk.christ I''v never heard worse.
Of course he isn't, he has been teetotal for decades. I guess you can't handle listening to a baritone.