Shenandoah

Bruce Springsteen's rendition of the traditional American folk song "Shenandoah" captures the essence of longing, love, and the trials of a sailor's life. The song tells the story of a trader who falls in love with the daughter of a Native American chief, Shenandoah. The recurring refrain, "Way-aye, you rolling river," symbolizes the constant and unyielding flow of the Missouri River, which serves as both a physical and metaphorical barrier in the narrative.

The lyrics delve into the trader's deep affection for Shenandoah's daughter and his determination to take her across the river, despite the chief's disapproval. The chief's disdain for the trader's dollars and his refusal to let his daughter follow the trader highlight the cultural and economic tensions of the time. The trader's persistence is evident as he courts Sally for seven years and longs for her for seven more, only to be rejected because of his status as a "tarry sailor."

The song takes a darker turn with the introduction of a Yankee skipper who deceives the chief with "fire-water" (a term often used to describe alcohol) and ultimately steals his daughter. This act of betrayal underscores the themes of exploitation and the destructive impact of colonialism on Native American communities. The repetition of the chorus, with its promise to take Shenandoah's daughter across the wide Missouri, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of love and the relentless passage of time, even in the face of adversity.