Hello and welcome once more to another Kentucky History Friday by the History of Kentucky Group and River Cities DeMolay. Today we are to discuss the origins of well-known Antebellum composition Oh, Shenandoah; hence our examination this evening is entitled On the Curious Origins of Oh, Shenandoah. Rarely should one stumble upon an individual having not, at the very least, heard of the Shenandoah Valley – most notably the significance thereof during the American Civil War; likewise, Oh, Shenandoah has attained quite a degree of popularity. The latter is an Antebellum North American musical composition of questionable origin. We as historians must rely upon an array of manners by which to compose the human narrative; among these are archaeological evidence, primary sources, and secondary sources when appropriate (as this article would be an example of a secondary source.) Such being established, it is understandable that massive quantities of information are to be lost to the annals of time; humanity has, since the very ignition of civilization in the unconsolidated lands of antiquated Mesopotamia, been one to decimate itself with war and other atrocities. Indeed, the most recent notes of the destruction of cultural heritage has occurred in recent weeks (even days) wherein civilization itself originates; Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer – a leading physicist of the 1945 Manhattan Project – quoted the Christian doctrine upon the endeavor’s completion: I am become Death; the Destroyer of worlds. Similarly, Oh, Shenandoah seems to defy the obtaining of its origins. We know not who composed this moving piece, nor are we certain as to what the piece refers. Earlier we made mention of the Shenandoah Valley; let us afford context. The Shenandoah Valley is a major geographic feature of the Commonwealth of Virginia – from which Kentucky seceded in 1792 – which also gives birth to the Shenandoah River; it was utilized for various movements and campaigns in the American Civil War (1861-1865), including the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run. Most may presume – understandably – therefore that the song is a tale of longing for the Shenandoah Valley and/or River; evidence for this is contained in the lyrics Away, you rolling river! Away, I’m bound away, across the wide Missouri! as well as Shenandoah’s my native valley; away, you rolling river! Whilst these appear compelling, there are vital faults therein; the least of which could be that the river referenced in the former could be the Missouri River rather than the Shenandoah River. A primary concern is the adaptation and evolution of lyrics; the powerful and popular Battle Hymn of the Republic of Julia Ward Howe is an adaptation of the earlier – and more popular amongst armies due to its easier recitation – John Brown’s Body, which itself has been misinterpreted such as to stir an alternative set of lyrics He captured Harper’s Ferry with his nineteen men so true; he frightened old Virginia till she trembled through and through. They hanged him for a traitor, they themselves a traitorous crew; his soul goes marching on. referring to the militant abolitionist John Brown, with whom the original song had no connection. The Shenandoah Valley One may easily infer that some soul may have misinterpreted the piece and composed alternative lyrics, or that it has been distorted via the oral tradition. Oral traditions, whilst valuable, shift rather often; there exists among ancient historians and classicists a debate as to whether Homer – the author of The Iliad and the Odyssey – actually composed the stories, or even if he actually existed, or rather if the epic poems are writings of earlier oral traditions which took prominence post-collapse of Mycenaean civilization; these same traditions give us Hellenic mythology. It is known that numerous sets of lyrics exist for Oh, Shenandoah; there is speculation that the composition instead speaks of the courtship of a seaman and the daughter of Algonquian chief Shenandoah, evidenced by the lyrics The white man loved an Indian maiden; with notions his canoe was laden. Still other variations incorporate both interpretations, such as Oh, Shenandoah, I love your daughter; away, you rolling river! For her I’d cross your roaming waters; away, I’m bound away, across the wide Missouri! Given the copious amounts of speculation, what is generally accepted about this piece? Numerous folklorists and historians agree that the piece most likely originated amongst French-Canadian fur trapping voyageurs operating along the Missouri River – North America’s longest, which converges into the Mississippi River. Its lyrical structure suggests that it was originally a sea shanty, or a song sung by sailors; although some others assert that it was first composed in Virginia itself. We cannot obtain certainty as to whether this piece – presumably originating within the early Antebellum North American West, primarily inhabited by its natives – is an endeavor of longing for home, or longing for the Indian maiden. Regardless, it is generally agreed to contain a mixture of African American and Irish elements in its musical structure. During the period, it was known by varying names, including: Across the Wide Missouri, Shennydore, The Wide Mizzourye, Rolling River, The Oceanida, and The World of Misery-Solid Fas. Our earliest recorded publication of Oh, Shenandoah is found in Harper’s Magazine in 1882 by WJ Alden. Given the implications of its lyrics, as well as its known usage prior thereto, it is believed to have existed since at least 1820 (thus classifying it as Antebellum.) Unfortunately, little else than this is agreed upon regarding this stunning piece. We hope you have enjoyed this article and gained knowledge therefrom. Join us next week for another Kentucky History Friday! Next week, we will discuss the uncharacteristic culture of frontier Lexington; in light thereof, begin to ponder the question: how influential was Kentucky in the progression of Southern culture? Email us your thoughts! Email questions to: [email protected] For more information: www.historyofky.weebly.com - Austin R. Justice, History of Kentucky Group The Shenandoah River A depiction of the Algonquian tribe. Variations of the song are believed to have originated along the Ohio River, Kentucky’s northernmost boundary.
Lyrics Variation #3: Missouri, she's a mighty river Way-aye, you rolling river The redskin's camp lies on its borders, A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! The white man loved the Indian maid, Way-aye, you rolling river! With notions his canoe was laden A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter Way-aye, you rolling river I'll take her 'cross yon rolling water A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! The Chief disdained the trader's dollars, Way-aye, you rolling river My daughter you shall never follow A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! For seven years I courted Sally, Way-aye, you rolling river For seven more I longed to have her A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! She said she would not be my lover Way-aye, you rolling river Because I was a tarry sailor A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! At last there came a Yankee skipper Way-aye, you rolling river He winked his eye, and he tipped his flipper A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! He sold the Chief that fire-water Way-aye, you rolling river And 'cross the river he stole his daughter A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! Oh Shenandoah! I long to hear you, Way-aye, you rolling river Across that wide and rolling river. A way - we're bound away 'cross the wide Missouri! *Note: any and all potentially offensive terms utilized herein are not endorsed by the Order of DeMolay or the History of Kentucky, and are provided solely for historical purposes.
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