Apache Tears
Echoes of Pain and Injustice: Apache Tears Unveiled
Lyrics
Hoof prints and foot prints deep ruts the wagons made
Describing the marks left by wagons and people traveling through, suggesting a historical presence.
The victor and the loser came by here
Both winners and losers have passed through this place.
No head stones but these bones bring Mascalero death moans
Despite the absence of headstones, the bones in the area evoke the sorrowful sounds of the Mascalero people.
See the smooth black nuggets by the thousands laying here
Referring to coal or similar dark materials, emphasizing the remnants of a significant historical event.
Petrified but justified are these Apache tears
The petrified remains are justified, possibly implying a tragic but justified fate for the Apache people.
Dead grass dry roots hunger crying in the night
Depicting a desolate landscape with dead grass, dry roots, and hunger prevailing in the night.
Ghost of broken hearts and laws are here
The lingering presence of broken hearts and laws, suggesting a haunting atmosphere.
And who saw the young squaw they judged by their whiskey law
Reference to a young Native American woman judged unjustly under the influence of alcohol-related laws.
Tortured 'til she died of pain and fear
Describing the torment and eventual death of the young woman due to pain and fear.
Where the soldiers lay her back are the black Apache tears
Connecting the location where soldiers laid her to the black Apache tears, symbolizing sorrow and grief.
The young men the old men the guilty and the innocent
Highlighting that people of all ages and guilt statuses experienced suffering, bleeding, and fear.
Bled red blood and chilled alike with fears
Emphasizing the shared humanity of both the red (Native American) and white (European settler) men who faced challenges.
The red men the white men no fight ever took this land
Asserting that the land was never worth fighting over, advocating for peace and respect.
So don't raise the dust when you pass here
Advising against disturbing the peaceful resting place of the Apache people.
They're sleeping and in my keeping are these Apache tears
Stating that the Apache tears are preserved and guarded by the narrator.
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