Since they were renowned for courage and discipline—and, contrary to many other regiments, suffered relatively little drunkenness or desertion—Marley uses the buffalo soldiers' fight for survival during the Indian Wars as a symbol of black resistance and identity. At the same time, he touches upon the cruel irony of deploying one subjected people to remove another.
Written by Bob Marley and Noel G. “King Sporty” William in 1980, “Buffalo Soldier” released posthumously as a single from "Confrontation", the first album released after Marley’s untimely death in 1981.
Marley uses the African American English (AAE), letting the reader know that his is a voice of experience. Being a Rastafarian himself, he can easily fit into the shoes of these Buffalo Soldiers.
Although not the first ever ‘Reggae’ song, “Buffalo Soldier” contributed a lot in bringing Reggae into international notice. The first ever popular Reggae song was actually “Do The Reggay,” a 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals.
Although the song brings to light the sufferings of the Buffalo Soldiers, it also comments on the happy-go-lucky nature of the soldiers. The upbeat nature of Reggae, combined with singing ‘woy yoy yoy’ concretes an almost sarcastic tone, full of euphemism. It’s almost like the Buffalo Soldier is staring the white men right in the eye and smiling.
Buffalo Soldier
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There was a Buffalo Soldier
In the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
I mean it, when I analyze the stench
To me, it makes a lot of senseHow the dreadlock Rasta was the Buffalo Soldier
And he was taken from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
Buffalo Soldier, in the heart of America
If you know your history
Then you would know where you coming from
Then you wouldn't have to ask me
Who the heck do I think I am
I'm just a Buffalo Soldier
In the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Said he was fighting on arrival
Fighting for survival
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier
Win the war for America
Said he, woe yoy yoy, woe yoy yoy yoy
Woe yoy yoy yo, yoy yoy yoy yo
Woe yoy yoy, woe yoy yoy yoy
Woe yoy yoy yo, yoy yoy yoy yo
Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
Troddin' through the land, yeah, yeah
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier
Win the war for America
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Driven from the mainland
To the heart of the Caribbean
Singing, woe yoy yoy, woe yoy yoy yoy
Woe yoy yoy yo, yoy yoy yoy yo
Woe yoy yoy, woe yoy yoy yoy
Woe yoy yoy yo, yoy yoy yoy yo
Troddin' through San Juan
In the arms of America
Troddin' through Jamaica, a Buffalo Soldier
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
Woe yoy yoy, woe yoy yoy yoy
Woe yoy yoy yo, yoy yoy yoy yo
Woe yoy yoy, woe yoy yoy yoy
Woe yoy yoy yo, yoy yoy yoy yo
The song "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley & The Wailers sheds light on the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of African American soldiers who fought during the Indian Wars in the late 1800s. According to the lyrics, the Buffalo Soldier was a dreadlock Rasta taken from Africa and brought to America to fight for survival. The stench mentioned in the lyrics refers to the smell of death on the battlefield, and to the senseless prejudice that led to the suffering of so many people in history. The song is a powerful reminder of the legacy of oppression and slavery that still affects many people to this day.
The chorus "woe yoy yoy" is a traditional Rastafarian chant often used in reggae music, which serves to unite people in a feeling of solidarity. The lyrics show an awareness and appreciation for history, suggesting that if people knew their history, they would understand where they are coming from and be more grounded in their own identity. The Buffalo Soldier in the song represents the struggle and resilience of the African American people, who fought against oppression and racism to survive and thrive in America.
Line by Line Meaning
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
The song is about a Buffalo Soldier, or a black American soldier in the late 1800s to early 1900s, who also happens to be a Rastafarian with dreadlocks.
There was a Buffalo Soldier
The song focuses on the life of a single Buffalo Soldier.
In the heart of America
The Buffalo Soldier lived in America.
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
The Buffalo Soldier's ancestors were taken from Africa and brought to America as slaves.
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
The Buffalo Soldier had to fight to survive, both in America and during wars.
I mean it, when I analyze the stench
To me, it makes a lot of sense
The singer is saying that even though the history of the Buffalo Soldier and its origins is not pleasant, it is important to understand it.
How the dreadlock Rasta was the Buffalo Soldier
And he was taken from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
The singer repeats the earlier lines to emphasize them.
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
Buffalo Soldier, in the heart of America
The artist repeats the earlier lines to emphasize them again.
If you know your history
Then you would know where you coming from
Then you wouldn't have to ask me
Who the heck do I think I am
If people knew their history, they would understand where they come from and wouldn't need to ask others what their identity is.
I'm just a Buffalo Soldier
In the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Said he was fighting on arrival
Fighting for survival
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier
Win the war for America
The artist identifies himself as a Buffalo Soldier, just like the one he sang about earlier, who fought to win wars for America even though he once was a slave.
Said he, woe yoy yoy, woe yoy yoy yoy
Woe yoy yoy yo, yoy yoy yoy yo
This is a Rastafarian chant that expresses emotions of sorrow, grief or exaltation.
Buffalo Soldier, troddin' through the land woah
Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
Troddin' through the land, yeah, yeah
The Buffalo Soldier navigates through hostile territories while trying to find comfort in the hands of others.
Driven from the mainland
To the heart of the Caribbean
The Buffalo Soldier was forced from his homeland into a new region.
Troddin' through San Juan
In the arms of America
Troddin' through Jamaica, a Buffalo Soldier
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
The Buffalo Soldier traveled to different parts of the world including San Juan and Jamaica, but no matter where he went, he still was a fighter.
Woe yoy yoy, woe yoy yoy yoy
Woe yoy yoy yo, yoy yoy yoy yo
The Rastafarian chant is repeated again to emphasize the emotions expressed earlier in the song.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Marley, Noel Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Abate Kidus
good
@Savvynlady
Even though I am Caribbean American and served in the military, it was Bob and this song that introduced me to Buffalo Soldiers. Major thanks
@pattyamato8758
The Buffalo soldiers were the first protectors of our National Parks
@vieiradosreismariadelurdes9105
@@pattyamato8758
https://youtu.be/2_gEmivGgCc?si=_v83NX0BBNKBtSNG
@al-nur999
A message to future generations, don't let this song die, don't let Bob Marley's legacy be forgotten. Jahlove.
@Fizzyapplewater
We already ignore the dark side of his legacy
@allensmithee632
Never gone as long as we keep the love in our hearts.
@neilgreen3008
His music is immortal ❤
@samueleboi2291
🦁
@Lotossit
Is that true ? Because history says otherwise 😕