Shenandoah Blues
Shenandoah Blues: Love Lost in Blue Ridge Echoes
Lyrics
I finally left a little white church in a Blue Ridge Mountain valley
I departed from a small church situated in a valley within the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Put all my things under a willow tree
I left my belongings beneath a willow tree because I couldn't carry them.
I just couldn't carry
I had difficulty carrying my things, hence leaving them.
And I tell myself I'll be back here when the dogwood flowers are ready
I anticipate returning when the dogwood flowers bloom, though it might take several spring seasons.
But that might not be
There's uncertainty about my return; it might not happen for some time.
For a few more springtimes
The possibility of returning might be delayed for a few more spring seasons.
And if Virginia is for lovers then why'd you leave me here?
Questioning why the person left if Virginia, known for love, is where they were left.
If I never said I need you I should have made that clear
Expressing regret for not explicitly communicating the need for the person who left.
Now I'm lucid in the gymnasium where you told me you were broken
Feeling clear-headed or rational in a place where they were told about the person's emotional distress.
And I'm still holding
The speaker is still emotionally attached or connected.
You always used to tell me
Recollection of conversations where the person discussed their emotional struggles known as "Shenandoah Blues."
About your Shenandoah Blues
The speaker thought these struggles were temporary, like a soothing song, and would fade.
I thought they were like a lullaby
Assumed the struggles were akin to a calming melody that would eventually pass.
And you'd grow out of 'em, too
Expected the person to outgrow these emotional issues.
Didn't know they'd be the melody
Surprised that these struggles became dominant while the person decided to rest or move on.
While you put yourself to rest
Implies the person chose to put themselves to rest, possibly meaning they withdrew or moved away.
You said that it was for the best
The person stated it was for the best, but the speaker doubts this justification.
I don't believe you
The speaker doesn't believe the person's reasoning for their actions.
And if Virginia is for lovers then why'd you leave me here?
Reiterating the question about why the person left if Virginia is associated with love.
And if I never said I need you I should have made that clear
Expressing regret for not clearly expressing the need for the departed person.
Now I'm lucid in the gymnasium where you told me you were broken
Feeling clear-minded or aware in a place where they were informed about the person's emotional state.
And I'm still holding
Continuing to emotionally cling or stay attached.
I'm not still standing over your plot with your sisters
The speaker isn't physically present at the person's grave with their siblings.
We're not sixteen living in New England winters
Reflecting on a past time when they were younger, not in their current situation.
But I'm still holding on that you're not gone
Still holding on to the belief or hope that the person hasn't truly departed.
Still holding space for all the weight that I carry on
Reserving space within themselves to carry the emotional burden of the departed person.
And if Virginia is for lovers then why'd you leave me here?
Repeating the query regarding why the person left despite the association of Virginia with love.
If I never said I need you I should have made that clear
Expressing remorse for not clearly communicating the need for the departed individual.
Now I'm lucid in the gymnasium where you told me you were broken
Feeling mentally clear or aware in a place where they learned about the person's emotional state.
And I'm still holding
Continuing to emotionally cling or maintain attachment.
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