Red River Valley
The Red River Valley is the area of North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota centered around the Red River. (I'd like to point out there is another Red River Valley in the U.S. in Louisiana.)
The Red River Valley song was written by James J. Kerrigan around 1879 (it was published in 1896)…
Red River Valley
Traditional Song
From this valley they say you are going,
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile,
For they say you are taking the sunshine
Which has brightened our pathways a while.
(Chorus)
Come and sit by my side if you love me,
Do not hasten to bid me adieu,
But remember the Red River Valley,
And the girl that has loved you so true.
As you go to your home by the ocean,
May you never forget those sweet hours,
That we spent in the Red River Valley,
And the love we exchanged 'mid the flowers.
(Chorus)
From this valley they say you are going,
When you go, may your darling go too?
Would you leave her behind unprotected,
When you know she loves no one but you?
(Chorus)
I have promised you, darling, that never
Will a word from my lips cause you pain,
And my life, it will be yours forever,
If you only will love me again.
(Chorus)
Won't you think of the valley you're leaving,
Oh, how lonely and sad it will be,
Just think of the fond heart you're breaking,
And the grief you are causing to me?
(Chorus)
I've been thinking a long time, my darling,
Of the sweet words you never would say,
Now, alas, must my fond hopes all vanish?
For they say you are going away.
(Chorus)
They will bury me where you have wandered,
Near the hills where the daffodils grow,
When you're gone from the Red River valley,
For I can't live without you I know.
(Chorus)
Thanks!
