Indian Reservation
Struggle and Resilience: Cherokee Nation's Story
Lyrics
They took the whole Cherokee nation
Refers to the displacement and relocation of the entire Cherokee nation.
Put us on this reservation
Describes the forced placement of the Cherokee people onto a reservation.
Took away our ways of life
Indicates the loss of traditional Cherokee customs and lifestyle.
The tomahawk and the bow and knife
Mentions the confiscation of weapons like tomahawks and bows.
Took away our native tongue
Highlights the suppression of the Cherokee native language.
And taught their English to our young
Notes the imposition of English language education on the younger generation.
And all the beads we made by hand
Expresses the loss of traditional craftsmanship, as beads are now manufactured in Japan.
Are nowadays made in Japan
Reinforces the impact of cultural appropriation and globalization on Cherokee heritage.
Cherokee people, Cherokee tribe
Identifies the Cherokee people and tribe, expressing pride despite adversity.
So proud to live, so proud to die
Emphasizes the pride in living and dying as a member of the Cherokee tribe.
They took the whole Indian nation
Reiterates the displacement, addressing the broader Indian nation.
Locked us on this reservation
Reaffirms the confinement of the entire Indian nation on reservations.
Though I wear a shirt and tie
Acknowledges the adoption of Western attire but asserts an enduring Native identity.
I'm still part redman deep inside
Reflects the persistence of Native heritage within an individual, regardless of outward appearance.
Cherokee people, Cherokee tribe
Repeats the pride in being Cherokee despite the hardships.
So proud to live, so proud to die
Reiterates the pride in living and dying as a member of the Cherokee tribe.
But maybe someday when they learn
Expresses hope for a future when the Cherokee nation may reclaim its heritage and return.
Cherokee nation will return, will return, will return, will return, will return
Repeats the anticipation and desire for the return of the Cherokee nation.
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