Eyes
Ivanov-Down Lyrics

Grandfather sung to me
The elder in my family shared their knowledge with me.

The weeping woman spoke
A female ancestor passed down wisdom or stories.

Down beneath the trees is the wisdom of the old
Traditional knowledge can be found in nature and those who have lived before us.

I seen plenty of disrespect
I have witnessed numerous instances of disregard for the land and its history.

For the knowledge of the land
The understanding of the environment and its history.

It's my people who I see lost in other peoples hands
Members of my community have been displaced from their land or are under the control of outsiders.

Everybody's hoping to see you at their door, Taking care of people you don't know
People expect assistance from strangers rather than relying on their own community.

Staying inside in their homes whispering, To the dark eyes outside the door
Fear of outsiders or the unknown causes people to be secretive and hesitant to engage with their surroundings.

No todo está perdido, Estoy con mi gente, Trabajo con miedo pero yo soy consciente
All is not lost, I am with my people, I work with fear but remain aware.

I'm losing the fear, 'Cause the work it's here
The presence of tasks to be done decreases fear and boosts motivation.

Ojibwe and Yaquis hope is in our ways
Other indigenous groups look to our methods for inspiration and guidance.

We show our sanity, Nobody sees us but we are running things
We maintain mental stability despite isolation and operate autonomously.

The bats and the land are sacred beings, Oricas Lencas
We view the environment and its inhabitants as sacred entities deserving of respect and care.

Now we are the ones, Bringing and taking, caring for the others
We have become responsible for our own community and provide aid to those in need.

Every morning I look out, From the corner of the mart, I'm just here waiting to help you
I am available and eager to assist my fellow community members.

There can be no fear for us, When the people they come back, Like it used to be before
When our community is reunited and whole, fear will dissipate.

I want it better, Better than it was before
I strive for progress and improvement for our community.

To the dark eyes outside the door
There remains suspicion and apprehension of outsiders.