Old Apache Squaw
Legacy of the Old Apache: Tales of Resilience and Heartache
Lyrics
Old Apache Squaw, how many long lean years you saw?
Reflecting on the long and challenging life experiences of an elderly Apache woman.
How many bitter winter nights shiverin' in a cold teepee?
Asking about the hardships endured during bitter winter nights inside a cold teepee.
Shiverin' in a cold teepee
Reiteration of the difficult conditions and cold environment inside the teepee.
Old Apache Squaw, how many hungry kids you saw?
Inquiring about the Apache woman's experience witnessing hungry children.
How many bloody warriors runnin' to the sea, fleein' to the sea?
Asking about the number of warriors who fled to the sea, possibly in desperation or defeat.
Well, now they tell me that you saw Cochise
Referring to a legendary Native American leader, Cochise, and suggesting the woman witnessed historical events.
When he made his last stand
Recalling Cochise's final stand, a momentous event in Native American history.
He said, "The next white man that sees my face
Quoting Cochise's declaration that the next white man to see him would face lethal consequences.
Is gonna be a dead white man"
Highlighting the severity of Cochise's warning and the hostility between Native Americans and white settlers.
Old Apache Squaw, how many broken hearts you saw?
Asking about the Apache woman's observation of broken hearts, suggesting the impact of historical tragedies.
Have you had misty eyes for years?
Wondering if the woman has been shedding tears for many years due to the sorrows she witnessed.
Could that mist be tears? Could that mist be tears?
Raising the possibility that the mist in her eyes could be tears, emphasizing the emotional weight of her experiences.
Well, now they tell me that you saw Cochise
Repeating the mention of Cochise, underscoring his significance in the Apache woman's memories.
When he made his last stand
Recalling Cochise's defiance and determination during his last stand against white settlers.
He said, "The next white man that sees my face
Quoting Cochise's threat towards the next white man who sees him, reinforcing the animosity between the two groups.
Is gonna be a dead white man"
Emphasizing the seriousness of Cochise's declaration and the historical tension between Native Americans and white settlers.
Old Apache Squaw, how many broken hearts you saw?
Reiterating the inquiry about the Apache woman's witness to broken hearts, underscoring the theme of sorrow.
You've had misty eyes for years
Acknowledging the woman's misty eyes, questioning whether they are a manifestation of tears.
Could that mist be tears? Could that mist be tears?
Repeating the contemplation of tears in her eyes, suggesting the enduring emotional impact of historical events.
Old Apache Squaw
Concluding the song with a repetition of the woman's identity as an Old Apache Squaw.
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