Rock The Boat
Forrest Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I believe in the power of American natives
I believe in the power of American natives

Untamed people in an untouched land
With pride in their culture and pride in their clan
(you know it) didn't take long before the world got around
First come first serve just take what you found
They fought for their world and they paid with their lives
Stood proud until the end in the face of all those lies
The eagle flies across a blood red sky
Remind you of the past and brings tears to your eyes





I believe in the power of American natives
I believe in the power of American natives

Overall Meaning

In the opening lines of Forrest's song "Rock the Boat," the singer expresses his belief in the power of American natives. The verse speaks to the deep respect Forrest has for the indigenous peoples of America and their history. Forrest's admiration is evident when he sings that he believes in their power, which not only refers to their tenacity throughout history but also to their ongoing cultural contributions to American society. Later in the verse, Forrest touches upon the tragic consequences native people faced when they were conquered by outside forces. He describes them as "untamed people in an untouched land," which paints a picture of the thriving nature native people had before Europeans arrived.


Forrest continues to describe the struggles Native Americans faced by highlighting their pride in their clans and culture that ultimately led to their demise. In hindsight, the idea of respecting the indigenous peoples' worldviews and cultures rather than trying to overpower and colonize them would have been the wisest course of action. The line "they fought for their world and they paid with their lives" speaks to the resilience and courage that Native Americans have shown since even before the arrival of Europeans.


In conclusion, in "Rock the Boat," Forrest acknowledges the power and resilience of the American natives and their contributions to America's contemporary culture. The song implores the listener to understand and appreciate the importance of indigenous cultures and their unique perspectives.


Line by Line Meaning

I believe in the power of American natives
I have faith in the strength and resilience of the Indigenous peoples of America


Untamed people in an untouched land
Native Americans lived off the land with deep respect for nature


With pride in their culture and pride in their clan
Indigenous communities took great pride in their traditions and heritage


(you know it) didn't take long before the world got around
News of the existence of Native American civilizations spread quickly


First come first serve just take what you found
Colonizers took whatever they wanted from Native American land without regard for those who called it home


They fought for their world and they paid with their lives
Indigenous peoples defended their land and culture at great cost, including their very lives


Stood proud until the end in the face of all those lies
Native American communities refused to be intimidated by colonizers and stood firm in the face of falsehoods


The eagle flies across a blood red sky
The symbol of the eagle soaring across a red sky invokes a sense of mourning and remembrance for the tragedies of the past


Remind you of the past and brings tears to your eyes
Memories of the brutalities and injustices of the past cause great sorrow and pain




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Dag Lerner, Linda Rocco, Rolf Ellmer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@michaelmoore8371

THIS WILL ALWAYS BE AN ALL TIME CLASSIC AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL, GOD BLESS YOU FORREST, SADLY MISSED, THANK YOU. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜€

@faronanderson2536

This is the version I was looking for that I remember hearing all the time as a kid at friends and family gatherings in the early 80's.

Awesome!!!๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿค˜

@deanrideout1275

You have good taste in music

@cdcm1959

But, the real and original version is from "The Hues Corporation"...

@gilbertolopez9004

One of my favorites from 1983. RIP Forrest!

@guinessmolly

I was 19 and saw Forrest perform Rock the boat at the brunel rooms in Swindon. Was one of the lucky ones to be invited back stage to see him after and got a signed picture (still have it) an a kiss to go with it. So sad to hear he has left us such a lovely guy! RIP Forest xx

@icaro3951

Sabia que habia otra versiรณn, pero no sabia de quien, era la que oรญa de niรฑo y la que siempre me gustรณ, aรฑos oyendo la original y siempre me decia lo mismo: algo falta, algo es diferente, quรฉ bueno haberla encontrado, un saludo en la eternidad Forrest!!

@Shwartz_Man16

I discovered this song in 2020
And this song, even with other events that happened to me 2 years ago, is one of the main reasons i love that year
It almost made me cry now that I've listened it 2 years later because it struck me with strong nostalgia

I will never forget 2020
Thank you for existing, Rock the boat

@Davidnimitz83

Muy buena version de un clasico Saludos

@gavc6442

Happy memories, R.I.P Forrest, happy song will live forever

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