"Shady Grove" is sometimes referred to as a "Living" American folk song, originating in the Appalachians and spreading with bluegrass across the country. The song tells the story of a young man (usually placed in Harlan County) who, longing for a wife travels to town and finds a beautiful young woman referred to as "Shady Grove" throughout the song. The young man, infatuated with the girl, goes to see her after contemplating how much he's enamored with her, and only falls more in love with her before asking to marry. Then the song jumps ahead a short while and we find the singer and Shady Grove enjoying themselves, and the singer's announcement that "there ain't no girl in this old world that's prettier than mine!". The Chorus (likely) originally comes from the young man having to go to work the mines in Harlan County where he may be away for some time. But as to his actual reason, I'll let you suppose. Perhaps he's just going into town and this chorus is relatively common, or perhaps he's off to war and this song is a farewell in the sadly likely chance that he may not make it home. I'll let you decide your own headcannon. As always, I hope you enjoy and lyrics below:
[Chorus]
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
[Verse 1]
Beyond this maze of city streets,
Beyond these painted faces,
There's a road that leads to cool green fields,
And girls that dress in laces
[Verse 2]
Everyone has a front porch swing,
Every house a parlour,
When the throat is dry an' parched with thirst,
There's more than just spring water
[-Chorus-]
[Verse 3]
When I was a little boy
I wanted a Barlow knife
But now I am a great big boy
And I’m looking for a wife
[Verse 4]
The monkey and the frog, the lizard and the dog,
The Skeeter and the bumblebee,
From the old raccoon to the ugly baboon
They all got a wife but me
[Chorus]
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
[Verse 5]
Now, When you go to catch a fish,
You bring a hook and line
But when you go to court a girl,
Don’t ever look behind.
[Verse 6]
See, Some come here to fiddle and dance
And Some come here to tarry,
Some come here to fiddle and dance
But I come here to marry
[-Chorus-]
[Verse 7]
Then I saw a girl among it all,
Her beauty did astound me
I think my searching days are done
I’ve found the one to marry
[Verse 7]
This girl was sweet, and kind also,
While wearing pretty clothes
Her dress was long, and white as snow
And she’s known as Shady Grove
[Chorus]
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
[Verse 8]
(With) Cheeks as red as a blooming rose
And eyes are the prettiest brown
She's the darling of my heart
Sweetest little girl in town
[Verse 9]
Chestnut hair in the mornin' sun
Looks like it's catchin' on fire
She's long, she's lean, & she won't run
She fills me with desire
[-Chorus-]
[Verse 10]
Peaches in the summertime
An’ Apples in the fall
If I can't have little Shady Grove
I don't want no gal at all
[Verse 10]
If only I had a guitar (banjo) string
Made of Golden Twine
The only tune I'd play on it
Would be “Wish That Girl Were Mine”
[Chorus]
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
[Verse 12]
When first I went to Shady Grove
I heard the pretty girl sing,
Next time I go to Shady Grove
I’ll bring a diamond ring
[Verse 13]
So Come to the mountains, an’ sit with me
By the waters clear,
I’ll build a cabin by the lake
And we will have no fear
[-Chorus-]
[Verse 15]
Now I go to see my Shady Grove
And She’s standing in the door
Her shoes and stockin's in her hand
And her little bare feet on the floor
[Verse 14]
Kentucky eyes look up at me
From a bed of yellow daisies
The sun is warm, her kiss is hot
She's gonna drive me crazy
[Chorus]
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
[Verse 15]
Oh, Now I’ve got a big fine horse
And corn to feed him on
And Shady Grove to stay at home
And feed him while I'm gone
[Verse 16]
See, A kiss from pretty little Shady Grove
Is sweet as brandy wine
And there ain't no girl in this old world
That's prettier than mine
[Chorus]
Shady Grove, my little love
Shady Grove I say
Shady Grove, my little love
I'm bound to go away
2 окт 2024
