Natives
Echoes of History: Unveiling the Struggle in Christy Moore's 'Natives'
Lyrics
For all of our languages we can't communicate
Communication barriers exist despite the diversity of languages.
For all of our native tongues we're all natives here
Regardless of our diverse languages, we are all inhabitants of this place.
Sons of their fathers' dream the same dream
Descendants share a common dream inherited from their fathers.
The sound of forbidden words becomes a scream
Taboo words can become powerful and evocative, transforming into screams.
Voices in anger, victims of history
Angry voices reflect the impact of historical victimization.
Plundered and set aside, grow fat on swallowed pride
Communities are exploited and neglected, their pride consumed by others.
With promises of paradise and gifts of beads and knives
Deceptive promises of paradise and coercive gifts perpetuate colonization.
Missionaries and pioneers are soldiers in disguise
Missionaries and pioneers are disguised as soldiers, advancing their agendas.
Saviours and conquerors, they make us wait
Saviors and conquerors delay justice, imposing their will.
Like fishers of men they wave their truth like bait
Similar to fishing, truth is dangled as bait to lure people.
But with the touch of a stranger's hand innocence turns to shame
Strangers can tarnish innocence with a touch, turning it into shame.
The spirit that dwelt within now sleeps out in the rain
The spirit that once resided within is now neglected and exposed to hardship.
For all of our languages we can't communicate,
Despite language variety, effective communication remains elusive.
For all of our native tongues, we're all natives here
All inhabitants, regardless of native tongues, share a common identity.
The scars of the past are slow to disappear
Historical wounds linger slowly, leaving lasting scars.
The cries of the dead are always in our ears
The echoes of the deceased persist, a constant reminder of the past.
And only the very safe can talk about wrong and right
Only those in secure positions can confidently discuss morality.
Of those who are forced to choose, some will choose to fight
When faced with choices, some oppressed individuals may resort to resistance.
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