RED  RIVER  VALLEY
​Basic Tunes                                 BA2 - Unit 2                              Home Practice

Traditional Canadian/American Folksong

​Button-Accordion Notation  
Beats per bar = 2
Beat symbol = Period ( . ) ​
Buttons 5 to 8:   Place first finger on button 5 and little finger on button 8 to cover all the buttons without having to shift during play.

Verse 1 (of several)

   .5     .6   |    :7   |   .7     .7    |   :7    |   .7*    .7    |    .7*   .6~ | ~:~ | ~:   |
From  this     val  -  ley  they     say      you   are        go -  ing_______ 

 .5     .6    |   :7   |   .6       .7    |     :8    |   .8*     .7    |   :7*~ | ~:~ | ~:   |         
We  will     miss   your  bright     eyes    and  sweet     smile______

 .8     .8*   |   :7   |   .7    .7*   |   :6   |   .7*   .7   |   .8     .8*~ | ~:~ | ~:   |
For  they    say     you  are       tak  -  ing  the     sun - shine______

  .5*    .5*   |   :5   |     .6*    .6   |   :7*  |    .7     .7*  |   :6~ | ~:~ | ~:   |  
That  has    bright - ened  our     path - ways  a        while_____
​
​The full set of lyrics (with chorus) is given at the bottom of this web page.
​The chorus uses the same accordion notation as the verse.​
​
Embedded youTUBE  VIDEOS
These videos are included mainly for the benefit of anyone not familiar with the tune.  Most performances include only a couple of verses with choruses.  There are wide variations in the lyrics.

As recorded here, the videos are somewhat fast for beginners to play along with, at least initially.  However, you can select slower playback speeds ( 75%, 50% and even the terrible 25% ) from youTube's "Settings" menu.

Eight videos - in keys:    A=1   C=3     D=2       G=2                                   
Key:   A  (Outside row on A-D accordion)

Group:  Herb Kraus & The Walkin' Shoes

​Posted by:  Walkin' Shoes

This version is known as "Red River Rock".   Basically anchored by the traditional melody, and punctuated by "rock" interludes.  Very well done by a fun-lovin' Group.
Key:   C  (Inside row on G-C accordion)

Singer:  Suzy Bogguss

​Posted by:  nashvillehigh

Still sounds OK at 75% playback speed.

​Suzy slows the tempo at bit when the audience joins in at time 2:48
Key:   C  (Inside row on G-C accordion)

Performers:  Stevie NIcks & Chris Isaac

​Posted by:  SidsCardShop
​Key:  C  (Inside row of G-C accordion)

Singer:  Challace Earls

Posted by:  Challace Earls

Challace doesn't always follow the rhythm (above), but it is still a great (and somewhat emotional) performance.
Key:   D  (Inside row of A-D accordion)

Singer:   Lynn Anderson  
​
Posted by: Cowboy Hat Radio
Key:   D  (Inside row of A-D accordion

Singer:  Johnny Bond

​Posted by:  TheJonhyWest
Key:  G  (Outside row on G-C accordion)

Performer:  ?

​Posted by:  LDsongscreen
Key:  G  (Outside row on G-C accordion)

Group: Buzz Matheson, Pat Matheson,
​        Buddy Griffin and Ray Sponougle.

​Posted by:  Buzz Matheson

INSTRUMENTAL
​
Real tune begins at time 0:28
Before that ... tuning up
Background Materials, Information & Links
​Lyrics:

Most of the videos above
contain only a couple of
​verses with chorus.

Also, there are other
​versions of the lyrics
in some of the videos.
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 
That has brightened our pathways a while. 

Chorus (same tune as verse):
          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. 

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. 

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. 

From this valley they say you are going, 
When you go, may your darling go too? 
Would you leave her behind unprotected, 
When she loves no one other than you. 

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. 

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. 

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. 
 
Background Link:
There are many "Red" rivers in North America.  My favorite flows out of the Northern United States into and through Manitoba, including Winnipeg.  During periods of flooding (which happen all too frequently) it covers wide areas of land, and the locals refer to it as the "Red Sea".

Click HERE for additional info about this song.