Red Brother Red Sister
Reflections of Struggle and Resilience in 'Red Brother Red Sister'
Lyrics
Went to the museum, red brother
Visited a museum, addressing a Native American as a "red brother."
Saw your ancient bloom cut, pressed and dried
Observed the preservation of the indigenous culture, possibly through artifacts like flowers.
A sign said wasn't it clever what they used to do
Noted a sign praising the creativity of the past but lacking information on the tragedies faced.
But it never did say how they died
Emphasizing the absence of acknowledgment regarding the historical suffering or death of the Native people.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Repetitive refrain, possibly expressing frustration or a call for attention.
Hey, hey, hey
-Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
-Hey, hey, hey
-Went to Regina, red sister
Visited Regina, addressing a Native American as a "red sister."
Heard a cab driver say what he'd seen
Heard a cab driver making a derogatory comment about a place with white patrons.
"There's a grand place to eat out on Number One
Reference to a specific location ("Number One") known for racial segregation.
All white ladies if you know what I mean"
Implying discrimination against Indigenous people, particularly women.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Repetitive refrain, possibly expressing frustration or a call for attention.
Hey, hey, hey
-Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
-Hey, hey, hey
-Went to a pow wow, red brother
Attended a powwow, addressing a Native American as a "red brother."
Felt the people's love-joy flow around
Felt the positive energy and happiness among the people.
It left me crying just thinking about it
Reflecting on the emotional impact of witnessing joy and unity at the powwow.
How they used my Savior's name to keep you down
Expressing sadness over the manipulation of Christian beliefs to oppress Indigenous communities.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Repetitive refrain, possibly expressing frustration or a call for attention.
Hey, hey, hey
-Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
-Hey, hey, hey
-
Comment