ONCE AND FOR ALL, WHERE IS THE RED RIVER VALLEY?If there's one song in the 60s that has been sung by nearly every English speaking individual in Singapore, it's Red River Valley. It is a cowboy song and it is also a river near Winnipeg, Manitoba, where this blogger lived for nearly 4 years.
The Red River Valley is a region in central North America that is drained by the Red River of the North. The geography of North Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba reveals the fertile lands around the river and the population centers of Fargo, Moorhead, Grand Forks, and Winnipeg.
Red River Valley is well-known among musicians as a folk song, with cowboy music standard but apparently it has controversial origins. This song has gone by different names like, Cowboy Love Song, Bright Sherman Valley, Bright Laurel Valley, In the Bright Mohawk Valley, and Bright Little Valley and actually depending on where it has been sung.
As the website http://www.plainsfolk.com/ commented, it could not have originated from Texas because of the line, "Do not hasten to bid me adieu..." Also Canadian folklorist researcher Edith Fowke explained that the song originated among British troops who came to Manitoba, the Red River Valley of the North. It has also been recognised as a soldier's sweetheart song, popular in Cold War America and on Armed Forces Radio.
Many singers have recorded this song and the trail includes Marty Robbins, Jo Stafford, Gene Autry and Eddie Arnold. Johnny and The Hurricanes recorded a rock and roll adaptation of the song, Red River Rock, in 1959. It became a Top Ten hit on both sides of the Atlantic and was at number 5 in the U.S. and number 3 in the UK.
This instrumental version has also been recorded by many guitar groups. During the 60s in Singapore, it is also played frequently on stage and during tea-dances. Most uniform and campfire groups know this sing-a-long and the Chinese version is, Hong Her Ker - Red River Song. It may be sung at the gig at Orchid Country.
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 awhile.
Chorus:I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile.
For they say you are taking the sunshine,
That has brightened our pathway awhile.
Please come back to the Red River Valley,
Please come back to a heart that is true,
I'll be there in the Red River Valley,
I'll be waiting just waiting for you.
Come sit by my side if you love me.
Do not hasten to bid me adieu.
Just remember the Red River Valley,
And the one that has loved you so true.
References:
1. Wikipedia - Red River Valley/Geography/Song
3. Image: taluung.blogspot.com
Original article: Andy Lim Collection
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