"Shady Grove" (Roud 4456)[1] is a traditional Appalachian folk song,[2] believed to have originated in eastern Kentucky around the beginning the 20th century.
[5] The lyrics describes "the true love of a young man's life and his hope they will wed,"[6] and it is sometimes identified as a courting song.
[citation needed] There is also speculation that the name Shady Grove may be a place-name, a woman's name or nickname, or possibly a mondegreen.
The tune was also used by folk duo John Roberts and Tony Barrand for "The False Lady", a variant of "Young Hunting".
"Shady Grove" has been recorded by numerous artists, including Jean Ritchie, the Kingston Trio, Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, Mudcrutch, Bill Monroe, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle,Suzy Bogguss, Crooked Still, Taj Mahal, Doc Watson and Clarence Ashley, Blood Oranges, Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Chieftains, Uncle Sinner, Jayke Orvis, and Camper Van Beethoven.