"Oh Shenandoah" -beautiful melody; key folk song of early America

#earlyamericanfolksong #shenandoah #folksong #singingboatmen #ohshenandoah #shanti #sailorssong
There are two possible misconceptions that must be cleared up when speaking about the song "Shenandoah": First, the name Shenandoah does not refer to a women or a place but to a particular man, the famous Oneida Indian Chief by that name. Second, the river of the song is not the Shenandoah river in Appalachia but rather the Missouri River. In fact, President George Washington named the Shenandoah Valley and its river in honor of the great Chief who showed his valor and patriotism-and that of his men-in the American Revolution. W.B. Whally, in his book "Ships, Sea Songs, and Shanties," states that the song "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... Besides being sung at sea, this song figured in old public school collections." A shanty was, for all intents and purposes, a song sung by working men as they labored. Whall's book (third ed. 1913) can be consulted by internet at: Archive.org. The Illustrations in his book were drawn by his granddaughter Veronica Whall.
The voice in the song is purported to be that of a white man who stole Shenandoah's daughter and then married her. He is now looking back wistfully and is talking to his father in law. I hope you enjoy the performance and presentation.

[@johnoconnor7958]

Beautiful beautiful from an Irisman living in Sydney Australia. If enough American people listened to this song it might awaken them to forget their differences and see what a great country they have created.

[@RMCluff]

I absolutely agree! We haver no real differences but there are forces that try to convince us of that! Thanks a million!

[@balozhende5727]

A great country they came to know. Let Americans not screw it up. Since 2000 the country has become so divided, and no side is completely right.

[@RMCluff]

Thanks for listening. You're right: We have a lot to lose.

[@robertmcginness4610]

Yes. I'm affraid they're bound away across the wide Missouri. Former SLAVE in the Good ole USA have suffered since orphaned, with little to no relief, but struggle to continue being a patriot. Disabled service connected Veteran, also an Irishman by foreign birth in America. So sad

[@RMCluff]

I feel for you, Robert. I have two great-grandfathers who were also Irishmen. I've recently come to understand what the Irish suffered in America, especially during two periods: the first indentured slaves (and otherwise) and many of those who came because of the potato famine. Hang in there and best of fortunes.

[@tylerbarrus9661]

If you’ve never heard it, Disney’s the voices of liberty do a phenomenal rendition of this song. My mother sang this to me and I sang it in an Allstate chorus in high school having lived right next to the Shenandoah river. It has special meaning. I sang it to my daughters when they were kids, and hopefully one day they will sing it back to me maybe on my passing.

[@RMCluff]

That's a beautiful circle! Thanks for your comment!

[@waynegrabert6839]

Both the singing and the guitar playing are beautiful.

[@RMCluff]

Thanks a million, Wayne.

[@williamturner6366]

as an englishman that song is america. i sang that song to my dying brother . it is beautiful.

[@RMCluff]

Thank you, William!

[@RMCluff]

That's very touching that you would sing it for him as a farewell!

[@miketurek3074]

There is a vocal group here in Eureka, California. I saw them do a performance of Shenandoah and it was so beautiful it brought me to tears.

[@RMCluff]

Great, thanks for listening!

[@luugo86]

It's incredible how honest and beautiful this song is.

[@RMCluff]

Thanks a million; I'm glad you like it!

[@gracielacavallo8811]

Such a touching ballad!! So, so beautiful! I couldn't help broke into tears! Love your voice. Thank you for this gift!

[@RMCluff]

Wow, thank you!

[@aydenevans417]

after months i am still in awe by how beautiful this song is

[@RMCluff]

Thanks a million, Ayden!

[@thomasesau2376]

I was told in Old Mystic Seaport this song was sung to weigh the anchor ( a 3 hour job by hand) for the last time before sailing home.

[@RMCluff]

Yes, it was one of the songs (shanties) that seafaring people sang as they worked. Thanks!

[@susanmcdonald-timms3202]

Beautiful beautiful. I accidentally clicked the double-arrow. ‘next clip’ function on my screen whilst watching the magnificent rendition of the song: ‘They call the wind Mariyah” in the movie: “Paint Your Wagon’. I was initially just annoyed at myself. But I stayed-and I’m not annoyed now. What a lucky‘accident’.

[@RMCluff]

Thanks, Susan!

[@jamesruane6481]

My favourite American ballad

[@RMCluff]

Thanks, James!

[@edgraf9720]

Just heard this wonderful performance!!

[@RMCluff]

Thanks a million!!

[@kiwibushblock2564]

sounds great!! it deserves more views! cheers from New Zealand

[@RMCluff]

Thanks a million!

[@stevenfromer3816]

A simple melody sung beautifully and simply,well done sir,bravo!💐

[@RMCluff]

Thanks for listening

[@conniecluff5369]

That was so beautiful!

[@RMCluff]

Thanks………!!!

[@BlackKnight-ll8qh]

This makes me cry

[@RMCluff]

I only hope they're happy tears! Thanks for watching!

[@nstix2009xitsn]

Thank you, Mr. Cluff.

[@RMCluff]

You are very welcome

[@billbutler7551]

BEAUTIFUL ❤

[@RMCluff]

Thank you! 😊

[@aydenevans417]

Really good rendition

[@RMCluff]

Thanks, Ayden. I really appreciate your feedback!

[@CarrieLynnMangus]

I remeber doing this song in school for one of the concerts, it made me cry then and now 42 yrs. later i found this and still cried.😢

[@RMCluff]

I appreciate your words! It seems to be an important song for many! Thanks for listening!

[@RMCluff]

Thank you, Carrie Lynn!!!

[@marionparton662]

Beautiful melody

[@RMCluff]

Thanks for listening

[@danielbelen007]

What an emotional version, and how well performed, of this wonderful song. My greetings and respects from Buenos Aires, Argentina!!!!

[@RMCluff]

Gracias, mil, amigo!!

[@francesmeyer8478]

Beautiful!

[@RMCluff]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@PossumMedic]

Good stuff!

[@RMCluff]

Thanks, Doc…!

[@eileenspamer]

beautiful singing from uk granny my dad sang me all these songs

[@RMCluff]

That's great; and I'm a US Gramps!!

[@carolanndenton5933]

if it is from the perspective of the daughter writing to her chief father ..this is what she is homesick about!!

[@RMCluff]

That's right, Carol: perspective is very important in songs of this nature. I find it a coincidence that both "Danny Boy" and this song depend on this type of motif where one never "really" knows who is most invested in the story!

[@tylerbarrus9661]

4:42

[@RMCluff]

Thanks for listening!

[@genitavares-ss6hp]

Por favor pode traduzir em português e com letra.❤🙏

[@RMCluff]

Vou a intentalo, mas mi control do Portugués no e ou mais forte! Obrigado!

[@rayunseitig6367]

o

[@RMCluff]

Thanks for visiting!

[@RMCluff]

Thanks also for subscribing!

[@CraigBaughan-mg3hf]

A version popular in Virginia lamented "For seven years, I courted Sally; for seven more I longed to hold her." The lyrics changed with the crossing of the Ohio, Missouri, and other rivers beyond. Some say 'shenandoah" means "daughter of the stars." The tune may date to the French and Indian War, or may have been written by immigrant anthem writers. We may never know.

[@RMCluff]

You are right! We may never know because there was never an original author.