Tribute to Native Americans and the 'stolen land' we took from them.
folk rock positive music
Story behind the song
Written at Ekone Ranch outside Goldendale, WA when i was a caretaker there of 20 Appaloosa horses and my wolf dog Noma.
Lyrics
Song of the Nations © Allan Byer 8/79
2 2 3 2 3
Progression: (Am Em) (G D Am)
Verse 1 I was a Lakota warrior of the great Sioux tribe.
We had many warriors. How we loved to hunt and ride.
Eagle-feathered shields at our side. Painted ponies we did ride.
(We did ride…)
I was a brother to Geronimo, fought beside Cochise.
Rode into the painted hills with Crazy Horse as my chief.
Fought for honor and belief. And oh he was a good chief.
(A good chief…)
Verse 2 I was a scout for the cavalry, led them to the Indian camps.
Watched the soldiers rape and murder, pools of blood in the sand.
Scalped them all with white hands. Too much blood on my hands.
(On my hands…)
Took a Pawnee woman. I would hunt. She would tan
Skins for all my brothers’ lodges. I lived well with my band.
Until you came for the land. Then I died by your hand.
(By your hand…)
Verse 3 I watched the great White invasion. Saw you desecrate the plains.
Killed buffalo for their tongues and hides, left the rotting remains.
Wasted flesh on the plains. You must have been insane.
(You’re insane…)
I was a brother to the White Man, taught him how to survive.
But he lost respect for my lessons, left me alone to die.
Spirit no more to fly. All I can do is cry.
(Hear me crying…)
Verse 4 I am a Ghost Dancer of the People. I believe the time has come.
Buffalo and Eagle Nations will again sound the drum.
Hearts are strong and not numb. We’ll again sound the drum.
(Again sound the drum…)
And I say to all you People, “Please, it’s not too late.”
Rise and join together. Peace is our only escape.
Love again and relate. In truth, you do not hate.
(You don’t hate now…) 3 X
Coda: Peace is our only escape. Live again and Relate. Peace is our only Escape. Escape now. Escape now. Escape…