Story Behind The Song
This song came out of a musical collaboration with a friend, shortly after I had given up music completely.
Song Description
A story of a Native American woman giving her daughter advice before leaving for college. It is assumed that the girl grew up on a reservation and is leaving it for the first time. The advice ranges from messages to be yourself to admonishments to follow the old ways. The last verse alludes to an old vision of what the white man's world would be like, and how grave. The song ends with the chant "Hoka Hey," which is Sioux for "It's a good day to die."
| Song Length |
5:51 |
Genre |
World - General, Pop - Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Troubled, Gloomy |
Subject |
Race/Ethnicity, Freedom |
| Similar Artists |
Peter Gabriel, Sting |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
May you run where you will
Grow in knowledge and in skill
You are brought from the earth, child of mine
Take your time, trust your dreams
Life is never what it seems
Give them heart, give them strength, give them life
Leave the false road behind
Heal your heart and your mind
Purify your desire, open eyes
When the eagle flew above
The great bear, the buffalo hunt
It is over, it is done, now no more
Hold this corn in your hand
Feel the river heal the land
Night will pass into day, life is born
For your clan you will lead
Know my child what is free
We all walk, we all pray, we all die
Follow moon through the trees
Mother watches, Shaman sees
They will fade like the light from the sky
Square gray house on barren land
Face in air, killing man
Stream of lights, racing where, I shudder to see
Hoka Hey
This track is on 3 Member Playlists