Banner Year
Fastbacks Lyrics
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Like the red man anymore,
Can't have them taking up
Good land. Give them a
Token flag, trade pipes and
Shake some hands, tell them
The white stripes stand for
Peace. Say if they raise red
Never shoot at you, but stripes
Will lose their sheen. Black
Kettle was their chief, he only
Wanted peace, under the
Flag... a massacre at Sand
Creek.
Wave your flag. Salivate.
Stirring feelings of pride and
Hate. A peace of cloth can′t
Hold your faith.
No flag flies, no banner
Waves, see the empty pole
Above his empty grave. No
One knows,
Where he lies, and no one
Knows why he had to die.
A banner year 1868, a bitter
End a twist of fate. Maps
Won't hold this melanoma,
Blurry part of Oklahoma,
Where Custer shot and killed
Black Kettle.
A promise is a promise, a
Judge of character. His
Banner over me is love.
The Fastbacks’ song, Banner Year, touches on history, politics, and identity. The first verse reminisces about the year 1864, a year when the US government decided that they did not like Native Americans anymore, and thus, could not have them take up good land. At this point, the US government decided to create token flags and trade pipes with the Native Americans. The Native Americans were told that if they raised red, white, and blue (US flag colors), the bluecoats (US soldiers) would never harm them. However, it was only a ploy to mislead the Native Americans as the US army attacked and massacred them anyway. In the chorus, the Fastbacks describe how a flag can create unbridled emotions in people, leading to pride and hatred, but ultimately, it cannot contain one’s sense of self.
The second verse tells the story of Black Kettle, a Native American chief who only wanted to live in peace. His wish for peace was answered by a promise made to him by the US government, which was later broken when Custer shot and killed him. The last verse likens the promise made by the US government to Black Kettle to the promise of love, which may be interpreted as a promise from a higher power. The irony in this verse is that while the US government broke its promise, the unconditional love promised by one’s higher power remains unwavering.
Line by Line Meaning
A banner year 1864, don't
Referring to the year 1864, this line indicates that it was a significant year. However, the following lines suggest that it was not a positive year for all, as the Red Man was not liked and driven from their land.
Like the red man anymore,
This line suggests that there was a change in attitude towards the Native Americans, and they were no longer favored.
Can't have them taking up
The line suggests that the Native Americans were perceived as a threat and had to be removed.
Good land. Give them a
The Native Americans were given a small piece of land as a symbolic gesture, which was not sufficient for their needs.
Token flag, trade pipes and
In exchange for their land and resources, the Native Americans were given a flag and other insignificant items.
Shake some hands, tell them
The line suggests that this was done to create an impression of goodwill and cooperation, while the Native Americans were being exploited.
The white stripes stand for
The flag was explained to have white stripes that represent peace, portraying a facade of harmony.
Peace. Say if they raise red
The white man promised that as long as the Native Americans raised the American flag, indicating their loyalty, they would not be attacked by the US army.
White and blue, bluecoats will
The Native Americans were informed that if they raised the flag, they would be protected by the bluecoats (referring to the US army).
Never shoot at you, but stripes
The white stripes on the flag symbolize peace and, according to the white man, they would never attack or harm the Native Americans.
Will lose their sheen. Black
However, if the Native Americans did not raise the flag or show loyalty, the white man's promise of peace would be deemed inaccurate.
Kettle was their chief, he only
Black Kettle, the Native American chief, was known for his peaceful nature and desire for harmony.
Wanted peace, under the
He wanted peace and was willing to cooperate with the white man to achieve it.
Flag... a massacre at Sand
In the end, the promise of the flag was broken. This line refers to a tragic massacre that occurred at Sand Creek.
Creek.
The line refers to the location where the massacre occurred, which involved the killing of many Native Americans.
Wave your flag. Salivate.
This line creates a sense of patriotism and excitement, encouraging the waving of the flag. However, this joy stems from a deeper sense of pride and hatred.
Stirring feelings of pride and
The flag has become a symbol of pride and patriotism, but it is not just about love for one's country, also about other negative feelings.
Hate. A peace of cloth can't
The flag is just a piece of fabric, and it cannot hold the true feelings of patriotism, love, or hate within people.
Hold your faith.
In essence, the line is saying that faith can't be represented by a piece of cloth, and it should not be the sole determinant in creating an impression of patriotism and love for the country.
No flag flies, no banner
This line describes a situation where there is no flag waving or banner flying, creating a sense of emptiness.
Waves, see the empty pole
The empty pole represents the absence of the flag and the emptiness it creates.
Above his empty grave. No
The final resting place of someone who holds deep patriotism, faith, and love for the county they lived in is empty, which didn’t get the deserved honor and respect.
One knows, where he lies, and no one
The singer is saying that no one knows where this person's remains are and no one truly understands the struggle that he went through for his country.
Knows why he had to die.
The death of this person was pointless, and the reason for his death is unknown, questioning the true value of his patriotism and love for the country.
A banner year 1868, a bitter
This line refers to the year 1868 and says that it held a significant event, but this event wasn't in favour.
End a twist of fate. Maps
The event of 1868 was something unfortunate that happened and it was possible to expect that.
Won't hold this melanoma,
Maps of that time weren't reliable and could not keep track of obscure areas like 'melanoma'.
Blurry part of Oklahoma,
The event of 1868 took place at an obscure and undetermined location in Oklahoma.
Where Custer shot and killed
The location refers to the spot where General Custer shot and killed Black Kettle, the Native American chief in 1868.
Black Kettle.
The line refers to the chief of the tribe who was killed by the US army, breaking the promise they had made to the Natives.
A promise is a promise, a
This line emphasizes the importance of a promise and how it should be kept no matter what.
Judge of character. His
This line talks about how a person should be evaluated according to their deeds and not their words, which shows their true character.
Banner over me is love.
It's a reference from the Bible. The line suggests that one's love for God should be more significant than their love for their country.
Writer(s): Kurt Bloch
Contributed by Addison L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.