Buffalo Soldier
Gil Gilberto Lyrics
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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 sense
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
Dreadie, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
Woe yoe yoe yo, yo yo woe yo, woe yoe yoe
Buffalo Soldier, trodding through the land
Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
Trodding through the land, yea, yea
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 yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
Woe yoe yoe yo, yo yo woe yo woe yo yoe
Singing, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
Woe yoe yoe yo, yo yo woe yo woe yo yoe
Trodding through San Juan
In the arms of America
Trodding through Jamaica, a Buffalo Soldier
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
Singing, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
Woe yoe yeo yo, yo yo woe yo woe yo yoe
The lyrics of the song, "Buffalo Soldier," by Gil Gilberto, tell the story of the Buffalo Soldier - a black soldier who was forcibly taken from Africa and brought to America to fight for his new country's freedom. The Buffalo Soldier is also described as a Dreadlock Rasta, reflecting his African roots and heritage. The song highlights the harsh reality of the Buffalo Soldier's life, as he was made to fight on arrival in America in order to survive. The lyrics suggest that it was not just physical fighting that the Buffalo Soldier had to endure, but also the emotional and psychological strain of being displaced from his homeland.
The chorus of the song urges listeners to remember their history, and where they come from. The use of the phrase "Buffalo Soldier" is a reference to the nickname given to black soldiers by Native Americans, who saw the soldiers' dark skin and curly hair as being similar to that of a buffalo. The song also mentions the Buffalo Soldier's journey from the mainland to the heart of the Caribbean, highlighting the vast distances that the soldier was forced to travel in search of freedom.
Overall, the song "Buffalo Soldier" by Gil Gilberto is a powerful and emotive tribute to the struggles and hardships faced by black soldiers in America. The song's lyrics highlight the historical oppression and marginalization of black people, and calls on listeners to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers.
Line by Line Meaning
Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
The buffalo soldier was a man with dreadlocks and fought for survival.
There was a Buffalo Soldier
There once was a man known as the buffalo soldier.
In the heart of America
The buffalo soldier was located in the middle of America.
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
The buffalo soldier was brought from Africa as a slave.
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Upon arrival, the buffalo soldier had to fight in order to survive.
I mean it, when I analyze the stench
When smelling the conditions in which the buffalo soldier lived, it's clear it was horrible.
To me, it makes a lot of sense
To me, the connection between the buffalo soldier and the conditions he lived in is apparent.
How the Dreadlock Rasta was the Buffalo Soldier
The buffalo soldier was a man with dreadlocks, just like a rasta.
And he was taken from Africa, brought to America
The buffalo soldier was taken from Africa and brought to America.
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
The buffalo soldier was also known as the dreadlock rasta.
If you know your history
If you know history, you know where you come from.
Then you would know where you coming from
If you knew your history, you wouldn't be asking where you come from.
Then you wouldn't have to ask me
If you knew your history, you wouldn't have to ask me where you come from.
Who the heck do I think I am
My identity and history should be known if you knew your own.
I'm just a Buffalo Soldier
I am a buffalo soldier.
Win the war for America
The buffalo soldier fought and won wars for America.
Dreadie, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
A chant in the song.
Buffalo Soldier, trodding through the land
The buffalo soldier walked through the land.
Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
If the buffalo soldier wanted to run, he would need help.
Trodding through the land, yea, yea
Walking through the land.
Win the war for America
The buffalo soldier won wars for America.
Driven from the mainland
Taken away from their home.
To the heart of the Caribbean
Brought to the Caribbean.
Singing, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
A chant in the song.
Trodding through San Juan
Walking through San Juan.
In the arms of America
The buffalo soldier was embraced by America.
Trodding through Jamaica, a Buffalo Soldier
The buffalo soldier walked through Jamaica.
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
The buffalo soldier had to fight for survival upon arriving.
Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
The buffalo soldier was also known as the dreadlock rasta.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB MARLEY, NOEL WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind