trad 1870s
While often associated with cowboy singing and the Red River that is part of the Texas-Oklahoma border, the origins of the song appear to instead be from the Red River that makes up the North Dakota-Minnesota border and flows into Manitoba. Canadian folklorist Edith Fowke believes the song’s origins are in 1870 and the narrator is a Mtis woman.
Woody Guthrie: Woody Guthrie – “Red River Valley” [Official Audio]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM54-ZRd-9k
From this valley they say you are going, I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile, For alas you take with the sunshine That has brightened my pathway awhile. 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 who has loved you so true. For this long, long time I have waited For the words that you never would say, But now my last hope has vanished When they tell me you’re going away. When you go to your home by the ocean May you never forget the sweet hours That we spent in the Red River Valley Or the vows we exchanged mid the bowers. Will you think of the valley you’re leaving? Oh, how lonely and dreary ’twill be! Will you think of the fond heart you’re breaking And be true to your promise to me.