Lyrics
It was a professional game played at Massillon, Ohio and Rockne was on
Describes a football game at Massillon, Ohio, with a mention of Rockne.
The Massillon Tigers and I was on the Canton Bulldogs. And he played left
Specifies the teams involved: Massillon Tigers and Canton Bulldogs.
End and I was playing left halfback. Consequently, I had to go around his
Narrates the speaker's position as left halfback, interacting with Rockne.
End. And he slipped through and tackled me for a couple yard losses. And I said
Recalls a play where Rockne tackles the speaker for a loss.
"That a boy rock.' I said, 'you're doing fine but,' I said, 'look at the people
Speaker acknowledges Rockne's skill but requests a chance to showcase his own.
Come up here to see old Jim run. How about letting old Jim run?' And he said
Rockne challenges the speaker to prove himself in the next play.
'Well if you think you can get away with that,' he said, 'I'd like to see it.' So the next
Speaker responds positively and prepares for the challenge.
Time I carried the ball around, I hit him in the side of the head with my knee
Describes the speaker's successful play, scoring a 60-yard touchdown.
Spindled off for a 60-yard touchdown and on the point after touchdown, why
Mentions a wet Rockne with players, likely celebrating the successful play.
Here come Rock with a player under each arm, all wetted down with a sponge
Depicts Rockne carrying players, perhaps in a celebratory manner.
And I walked up and patted him on the shoulder and said, 'that a boy, Rock
Speaker praises Rockne for allowing him to showcase his skills.
You let old Jim run, didn't you
Reiterates the appreciation for Rockne letting the speaker run.
His momma was a matriarch, Mother of eleven born
Introduces Jim Thorpe's family background with a matriarch and patriarch.
Poppa was a patriarch, worked on the farm he was big and strong
Describes Jim's father, Hiram Thorpe, as a strong figure working on a farm.
Momma's name was Charlotte Vieux, Potawatomi Menominee and Kickapoo
Details Jim's mother's name and her diverse heritage.
Poppa's name was Hiram Thorpe, a Sac and Fox and Irish dude
Provides information about Jim's father's mixed heritage.
Excuse my muse I excused her French, mom didn't raise him to be warming bench
Speaker apologizes for the muse and emphasizes Jim's active upbringing.
Descendants of the trail of death survival flowing in her skin
Connects Jim's survival instincts to his heritage, explaining his drive to win.
No wonder why he played to win, Hiram built his blaze within
Attributes Jim's competitive spirit to his father, Hiram's influence.
Thunder Clan related them to Black Hawk a true chief of men
Associates Jim's lineage with the Thunder Clan and Black Hawk, a respected chief.
The first to join Tecumseh and the last to fight in his region when
Mentions Jim's involvement with Tecumseh and his dedication to the region.
Keokuk sat down and gave right in, Hiram made a point to relay this to Jim
Refers to a significant event involving Keokuk and Hiram, shaping Jim's character.
Toughened Jim up when he played with him, taught him how to hunt and till the land
Highlights Hiram's role in toughening Jim through hunting and farming.
Hiram looked like Black Hawk's twin, a highly respected and fearless man
Portrays Hiram as a respected and fearless figure in Jim's life.
One of few in his tribe who could read & write said you need an education to beat the whites
Notes Jim's unique ability to read and write, emphasizing the importance of education.
Vowed that his kids would be smarter than him, beat his competition in sports and fights
Expresses Hiram's determination for his children to surpass him in intellect and athleticism.
Legend has it he'd frequent Keokuk Falls
Refers to a legendary story of Jim frequenting Keokuk Falls.
Seven deadly saloons, bootlegging drunk and heeding calls
Describes Jim's involvement in questionable activities at seven saloons.
Witnessed a drunken gun fight the victim was sunken this night
Details a witnessed drunken gunfight with a victorious and confident participant.
The victor was brolic unruly thinking, no one could shoot me
Highlights the victor's arrogance, believing he is invincible.
And said, who can disprove me then heard, boy you behoove me
Quotes the victor questioning anyone who can disprove his invincibility.
And saw, his fear inducing in form of Hiram removing
Describes Hiram's intimidating presence, dispelling the victor's confidence.
Himself from his seat to prove it, he put his finger in the deceased
Depicts Hiram physically proving his point by touching the deceased man's wound.
Man's wound and licked it clear.. I'm sorry Hiram, I didn't know you was here
Apologizes to Hiram for not recognizing his presence during the recounted events.
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