Buffalo Soldier
Bob & The Wailers Marley Lyrics

Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
The singer is referring to a soldier who is a member of the Rastafarian movement characterized by dreadlocks. This line sets the stage for the rest of the song and gives a visual image of the soldier.

There was a Buffalo Soldier
Referring to a specific soldier who was a part of the Buffalo Soldiers regiment in the United States Army. This line gives historical context and situates the song in a specific time period.

In the heart of America
Referring to the location where the Buffalo Soldier was stationed and served in the army. This line gives the physical location of the soldier.

Stolen from Africa, brought to America
The Buffalo Soldier is of African descent and was brought to America through the transatlantic slave trade. This line highlights the forced removal and enslavement of African people to America.

Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
The Buffalo Soldier did not come to America with any intentions of war but was forced to fight in order to stay alive. This line emphasizes the struggle and hardship the Buffalo Soldier faced.

I mean it, when I analyze these things
The singer is expressing the sincerity behind his analysis and interpretation of the song. This line creates a connection between the singer and the listener as the singer is sharing his thoughts and insights.

To me, it makes a lot of sense
The singer finds meaning and relevance in the song and is sharing his perspective on the lyrics. This line shows the personal significance of the song to the singer.

How the dreadlock Rasta was the Buffalo Soldier
The artist is connecting the two images and showing how the characteristics of a Rastafarian, such as dreadlocks, were present in the Buffalo Soldiers. This line highlights the cultural intersection between different groups of people over time.

Said he was a Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
Reiterating the connection between the two images, the artist emphasizes the commonalities between the Buffalo Soldier and the Rastafari movement. This line draws attention to the shared experiences of different groups of people.

If you know your history
The artist is addressing the listener, challenging them to have knowledge of their history. This line emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to have a better understanding of the present and future.

Then you would know where you coming from
Knowing one's history provides a better understanding of one's origins and roots. This line emphasizes the importance of being knowledgeable about one's own history.

Then you wouldn't have to ask me
If one had knowledge of their history, they wouldn't have to turn to the artist for information or explanation. This line emphasizes the value of learning and being self-sufficient.

Who the heck do I think I am
The singer is acknowledging the potential questioning or criticism they may receive for sharing their perspective. This line highlights the importance of being confident in one's own knowledge and beliefs.

I'm just a Buffalo Soldier
The singer identifies with the Buffalo Soldier and the experiences associated with being a member of that group in history. This line creates a connection between the singer and the subject matter of the song.

Win the war for America
The Buffalo Soldiers fought in many wars for America, including the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and both World War I and II. This line highlights the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in American history as they fought for their adopted country.

Woe yoy yoy, woe woe yoy yoy
Not a specific line but a repeated phrase in the song that serves as a sort of refrain. This line adds to the musicality of the song and creates a sense of rhythm and repetition.

Troddin' through the land woo ooh
The Buffalo Soldier is moving through the land, likely on foot. This line creates an image of the Buffalo Soldier on a journey or march.

Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
This line is a bit difficult to interpret but it could be referring to the idea of wanting to escape or flee but needing help or being dependent on someone else. This line could be referring to the struggles the Buffalo Soldier faced and possibly needing the assistance of others.

Driven from the mainland
Referring to the forced removal of African people from their home continent and brought to America. This line again highlights the history of the slave trade and its impact on African people.

To the heart of the Caribbean
The Buffalo Soldier was stationed in many places throughout the Americas, including the Caribbean. This line gives the location in which the Buffalo Soldier was at a specific time.

Troddin' through San Juan
San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, which was one of the places where the Buffalo Soldiers served. This line provides specific location information and gives another visual image of the soldier.

In the arms of America
Referring to the Buffalo Soldiers serving in the American military, this line emphasizes the role of the Buffalo Soldier in the history of America.

Troddin' through Jamaica, a Buffalo Soldier
Jamaica is another location where the Buffalo Soldiers served. This line provides additional historical context and location information.