Oh Shenandoah
Waterboys · Other Songs - Waterboys
Look away, you rollin' river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Look away. We're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Now the Missouri is a mighty river
Look away, you rollin' river.
Indians camp along her border
Look away. We're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Well a white man loved an Indian maiden
Look away, you rollin' river
With notions his canoe was laden
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Look away, you rollin' river
It was for her I'd cross the water.
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
For seven long years I courted Sally
Look away, you rollin' river
Seven more years I longed to have her
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Well, it's fare-thee-well, my dear,
I'm bound to leave you
Look away you rollin' river
Shenandoah, I will not deceive you
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Oh Shenandoah
The Waterboys' rendition of 'Oh Shenandoah' stands as a testament to their enduring affinity for traditional folk material. Known for blending rock energy with Celtic and Americana influences, the band frequently reinterprets classic songs to fit their expansive sonic palette. This recording captures the group's signature atmospheric approach, transforming a well-known American folk standard into a vehicle for their distinctive vocal harmonies and instrumental textures. While the original ballad has been covered by countless artists over the decades, the Waterboys bring a specific emotional weight and rhythmic drive that aligns with their broader discography. The track exemplifies their ability to honor source material while injecting it with the dynamic range characteristic of their live performances and studio work.