A most beautiful sea shanty.

Sea shanties were sung as working songs. When halliards or anchors had to be hauled in, the shanty man would start the crew singing. It was a way to make sure that all of the men pulled together.

Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you.
Away I'm bound to go,
'cross the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter.

'tis seven long years since last I saw her,
I courted her on foolscap paper.

Oh Shenandoah, I took a notion,
to sail across the stormy ocean.

Oh Shenandoah, I'm bound to leave you,
Oh Shenandoah, I'll not deceive you.

Hear the music?

Play the recorder?