Buffalo Soldiers
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
The Buffalo Soldier, a black American soldier, was a symbol of resistance and strength, similar to the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica characterized by its focus on African pride.

There was a Buffalo Soldier
The song refers to the courageous spirit and resilience of the African American soldiers, also known as Buffalo Soldiers, who served in the US Army after the Civil War.

In the heart of America
Despite being brought to America against their will, African Americans like the Buffalo Soldiers made significant contributions to American society, including fighting for freedom and justice.

Stolen from Africa, brought to America
African people were forcibly taken from their homeland and brought to America as slaves, which resulted in dislocation, cultural and family separation, and a forced journey into a foreign land.

Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Buffalo Soldiers had to fight racial discrimination, inequality, and persecution in America while trying to survive as new inhabitants of a foreign land.

To me, it makes a lot of sense
The songwriter is expressing how clearly he understands the connection between the Buffalo Soldier and the Jamaican Rasta, who were both symbols of hope, pride, and defiance against oppression.

If you know your history
The songwriter is pointing out that to understand the present and the future, it is crucial to know and remember the past, especially the history of slavery and oppression of African people.

Then you would know where you coming from
By knowing their ancestral roots, their struggles, and their contributions, African Americans could have a greater sense of identity, self-worth, and empowerment in the present.

Who the heck do I think I am
The songwriter is rejecting the question of who he thinks he is based on his color, background, or social status and instead asserting his identity and worth as a Buffalo Soldier in America.

I'm just a Buffalo Soldier
The songwriter is reclaiming his identity and pride as a member of the Buffalo Soldiers, who fought for their rights, dignity, and freedom in America.

Win the war for America
Despite facing discrimination and injustice, the Buffalo Soldiers remained committed to serving their country and proving their worth and loyalty as American soldiers.

Troddin' through the land woo ooh
The Buffalo Soldier, like the Rastafarian, is seen as a wanderer, a traveler, and a fighter, who moved through the land with determination, courage, and dignity.

Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
The Buffalo Soldier and all African Americans, despite being oppressed and mistreated, still had the courage to fight back, which symbolized their strength, resilience, and belief in justice.

Driven from the mainland to the heart of the Caribbean
The Buffalo Soldiers, after serving in America, were sent to the heart of the Caribbean, where they continued to face discrimination, injustice, and unequal treatment.

Troddin' through San Juan in the arms of America
The Buffalo Soldier, as a symbol of American bravery and service, walked through the streets of San Juan in Puerto Rico, where the US had established a colonial presence.

Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
The Buffalo Soldier, despite being sent to the Caribbean after serving in America, still had to fight for their rights and dignity, which symbolized their strength, resilience, and determination.

Woe yoy yoy, woy woy yoy yoy
This line is a repetition of a Jamaican patois phrase, which expresses a feeling of joy, happiness, and celebration, often associated with the Rastafarian movement.