138 - Shenandoah B - Capstan Shanty

This is one of the most popular of all capstan and windlass shanties, the "Shenandoah". The interesting fact according to Stan Hugill is that no two shantymen ever sang the same pronunciation of the word "Shenandoah". Shenandoar, Shannandore, Shanandar, and Shanidah were all used. This was a very popular version about an Indian chief.
"Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 175).


Shenandoah B


Oh Missourah she's a mighty water,
   - Away, ye rollin' river!
The red skin camp lies on her border,
   - Away we're bound to go,
   - 'Crosst the wide Missourah!.

                         *2*
O Shenandoah wuz a redskin maiden,
And a white man loved that redskin maiden,

                         *3*
Oh, the white man loved the Indian maiden,
With trade-goods his canoe was laden.

                         *4*
The chief refused the trader's dollars
My daughter ye shall never follow

                         *5*
At last there came a Yankee skipper
Who winked his eye and flipped his flipper

                         *6*
He sold the chief some fire-water,
And stole the gal across the water.

                         *7*
O Shenandoah, I love yer daughter,
I'll take her sailing cross yon rollin' water,