Lyric discussion by elation army 

Cover art for Shenandoah lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell

This song is a parent reminiscing about his/her daughter, who left the family farm for bigger and better things. Perhaps the daughter is meant to be Mitchell, who grew up on a sheep farm. I like how it's told from the parent's point of view, showing their love for her, but also their disappointment that she didn't stick around and carry on the family tradition.