Lyrics
They took the whole eastern nation
Refers to the displacement of the eastern nation's people.
Moved us on these reservations
Describes the relocation of the people to reservations.
Took away our ways of life
Highlights the loss of the original way of life.
A hand grenade, and a carving knife
Symbolizes the violence and conflict through the imagery of a hand grenade and carving knife.
Took away our native tongue
Indicates the suppression of the native language.
And taught their English to our young
Emphasizes the imposition of English on the younger generation.
And all the things we made by hand
Highlights the transition from handmade goods to mass-produced items.
Are nowadays made in japan
Reflects the shift of manufacturing to Japan, possibly implying loss of livelihood.
Eastern people!
Addressing the people of the eastern region.
Eastern tribe!
Referring to the collective identity of the eastern tribe.
So proud to live, so proud to die
Expresses pride in living and dying within their cultural identity.
They took the whole eastern nation
Reiteration of the displacement of the eastern nation.
Locked us in these reservations
Emphasizes the confinement within reservations.
Although we wear our shirts and ties
Despite outward appearances (clothing), the cultural identity remains unchanged.
We're still the red man deep inside
Asserts the enduring essence of being a "red man" despite external changes.
Although they changed our ways of hope
Although traditions may have been altered, the core values remain intact.
They'll never change our heart and soul
Belief that the essence of the community won’t be changed.
And then someday when the world has learned
Hope for a future where civilization acknowledges and respects their heritage.
Civilization will return
Anticipation for a time when society appreciates and embraces their culture.
Will return...
Reiteration of the hope for a cultural revival in the future.
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