Lyrics
Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
Referring to a soldier with African roots, possibly with dreadlocks.
Buffalo Soldier, in the heart of America
The soldier is within the heart or core of America.
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Implies forcibly taken from Africa and transported to America.
Fighting on arrival
Engaged in combat upon arrival.
Fighting for survival
Fighting to survive in challenging circumstances.
Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
Reiterating the description of the soldier with dreadlocks.
And when I analyze
Reflecting on the situation.
The stench It makes some sense
Suggesting a realization of the situation's unpleasantness.
The Rasta was a Buffalo
Metaphorically comparing the Rasta, or follower of Rastafarianism, to a buffalo.
Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Expressive interjection, not conveying specific meaning.
Woy yoy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy!
-Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
-Woy yoy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy!
-Buffalo Soldier win the war for America
Crediting the soldier for winning a war for America.
Buffalo Soldier in the heart of America
Reiterating the soldier's presence in the heart of America.
Buffalo Soldier, Driven from mainland
Forced away from their native land to the mainland.
Fighting on arrival
Similar to line 4, indicating engagement in combat upon arrival.
Fighting for survival
Continued fight for survival in adverse conditions.
Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
Reiterating the soldier's description with dreadlocks.
If you know history
Encouragement to understand and learn from history.
You know where you're coming from
Knowing one's roots and history prevents identity questioning.
Then you don't have to ask
Suggests that understanding history eliminates the need for identity clarification.
Who I am
Asserting identity without needing explanation.
Soldier tells you why
Clarification of the soldier's reason for not wanting to cry.
He don't wanna cry
Offering assistance or guidance.
Soldier take your hand
Symbolic gesture of support or camaraderie.
Take you to the land
Possibly indicating a return to the soldier's homeland.
When you realize
Realization leading to a transcendental feeling.
You look at the sky and go!
Expressing a sense of liberation or freedom upon realization.
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