It’s a Good Day to Die

 

The sun shines down on the rolling plain

Waves of tall grass so gently swaying

Clouds move across grandfather sky

But in the wind I hear a distant cry

Cries of sorrow     Cries of pain

Since they have come our lives have been changed

 

For there’s an intruder who walks this land

Many of our people have died by their hand

They speak with lies and live by their guns

Left the buffalo to rot in the sun

Bringing us disease, upheaval and strife

Surely to threaten our way of life

They show no respect for this sacred land

Their customs and values I don’t understand

I stand to protect my people my tribe

For I know today is a good day to die

 

Carry me in silence     Color me red

Call me a warrior     Color me dead

 

Great Spirit has given me the gift of this life

Taught me the way of the medicine and the knife

Everything I’ve needed has come from this earth

Now they want to take this place of my birth

From our ancestors we learned the ancient ways

To seek our own vision, to purify, and to pray

To be in harmony with all living things

Gathering ‘round the fire to dance and to sing

Great Spirit is with us today as we ride

For I know today is a good day to die

 

Your long black hair blowing in the breeze

Thrashing your back so gracefully

Many a brave soul gathered to fight

All feathered and painted a spectacular sight

So proud on our horses all down the line

Chanting together suspended in time

Drums beating courage into our hearts

Who will remain when light turns to dark

All heads are raised as the arrow flies

For I know today is a good day to die

 

Carry me in silence     Color me red

Call me a brave      Color me dead

 

We’ve grown as brothers once children at play

Now together we ride as warriors today

Remembering that feeling as time draws near

Walking the edge between courage and fear

Eagle circling over giving us a sign

Our power and purpose are strong and aligned

Deep in the silence we sharpen our will

Intent on our mission that must be fulfilled

All voices unite in the battle cry

For I know today is a good day to die

 

Listening as the wind glides across the grass

For many this day will be their last

Out in the distant a swarm of dark blue

There’s no turning back for me or for you

Hearts racing fast as all lips are still

For what awaits them coming over the hill

As I look into your eyes my friend

Soon in the next world we’ll meet again

The last thing I see will be grandfather sky

For I know today is a good day to die

 

Carry me in silence     Color me red

      Call me a hero          Color me dead