"Oh Shenandoah" (also called "'Shenandoah", "Across the Wide Missouri", "Rolling River", "Oh, My Rolling River", "World of Misery") is a traditional folk song, sung in the Americas, of uncertain origin, dating to the early 19th century.
["Shenandoah"] probably came from the American or Canadian voyageurs, who were great singers ... . In the early days of America, rivers and canals were the chief trade and passenger routes, and boatmen were an important class. Shenandoah was a celebrated Indian chief in American history, and several towns in the States are named after him. Besides being sung at sea, this song figured in old public school collections.
There are variations from the original version. One rendition from Youtube, by Peter Hollens, has brought into my attention a few months ago. He made both tenor and bass versions.
Lyrics
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
'Way, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you
'Way, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri
Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter
'Way, you rolling river
For her I cross your roaming waters
Away
I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri
'Tis seven long years since last I've seen you
And hear your roaming river
'Tis seven long years since last I've seen you
Away
We're bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri
Ooh
Doo doo ooo
Ah
Oh, Shenandoah's my native valley
'Way, you rolling river
Oh, Shenandoah's my native valley
Away
We're bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri
