"Red River Valley" (Piano Accompaniment) arranged by Benjamin M. Culli

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Description

Hello! This is a piano accompaniment for "Red River Valley" from Joan Frey Boytim's book 36 Solos for Young Singers.

Song: "Red River Valley"
(Traditional American Cowboy Song)
Arranged by Benjamin M. Culli
Performed by Cassandra Ri

Lyrics:
[[Verse 1]]
From this valley they say you are going,
I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile,
for they say you are taking the sunshine
that has brightened our pathway a while.
[[Chorus]]
Come and sit by my side if you love me.
Do not hasten to bid me adieu.
Just remember the Red River Valley
and (girl/boy) that has loved you so true.
[[Verse 2]]
Won't you think of this valley you're leaving
and how lonely and sad it will be;
and think of the heart that you're breakin'
and the grief that you are causin' me.

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A Brief Background:
According to Canadian folklorist Edith Fowke, there is evidence that the song was known in at least five Canadian provinces before 1896.
This finding led to speculation that the song was composed at the time of the 1870 Wolseley Expedition to Manitoba's northern Red River Valley.
It expresses the sorrow of a local woman as her soldier lover prepares to return to battle.

The earliest known written manuscript of the lyrics, titled "The Red River Valley", bears the notations "Nemaha 1879" and "Harlan 1885."
Nemaha and Harlan are the names of counties in Nebraska, and are also the names of towns in Iowa.