This beautiful song is one of the most popular American folk songs, evoking images of the river life of yesteryear. It is sure to be a popular addition to your saxophone recital, or it would make an excellent encore piece. The top note is D (written) above the treble staff and the duration is 03:55.

As with most folk songs, there are many different versions of Shenandoah, and it’s impossible to determine the song’s exact provenance with any degree of certainty. It probably has its origins among the French Canadians who traded with Native Americans around the Great Lakes during the sixteenth century. In most versions of the song, the lyrics tell of a seafarer, possibly a canoeing fur-trader, who was in love with the daughter of Shenandoah, a Native American Chief who lived in what is now the state of Virginia. Shenandoah was a real person: an individual of commanding presence who lived for over a hundred years.

Sailors heading down the Mississippi picked up the song and made it a capstan shanty, which they sang while hauling in the anchor. By the mid-1800s versions of the song were heard almost everywhere the clipper ships ventured. Shenandoah was one of the most popular capstan shanties, a slow song which set a manageable pace for the crew in a heavy and lengthy task. Add this lovely American song to your repertoire today!