Great Spirit
Nahko Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

So which wolf will you feed
One makes you strong, one makes you weak
And those who know and those who seek
Amidst the chaos, find your peace (yeah)
I know which wolf I'll feed
I know which wolf I'll feed

Great spirit, I've had it
Bring me back to the nomadic
Way of weaving through the damage
Mindful, stay mindful
Great spirit, for my sisters
Let me be a flowing river
Flood the banks, the rocks that bind her
Carry, I'll carry

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great spirit, for my brothers
Let me be a mountain under
Which he climbs to discover
His process, now that's progress
Great Spirit, all that hinders
Tie reminders to my fingers
I must speak to you more often

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great Spirit, for my relations
Give them strength to face racism
In every single situation
Easy now, go on, speak loud
Great Spirit, take me instead
Guide me down the road of red
Tunkashila, I am shamed, Great

Oh Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, oh yeah

Great Spirit, system collapsed
Nothing but the Earth will last
And I will be singing sweetly until the darkness
And how life is
Great Spirit, on my tongue
Be still, be still, the time will come
When everyone will sing "All Life is Sacred"
Well, I'm waiting
Great Spirit, my fist is up bringing the power to the people
You're a reflection of us
Some of you're people can't hear it
The cries of the Earth
Some of you're people can't feel it
The way that it hurts
And it hurts, Great Spirit
Oh, and it moves, Great Spirit
Interconnected in the wreckage of a paradigm on
Its way out, its way out
Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
A spirited lyricist weaving around false prophecies
A spirit directed and selected with the message I bring
While the ship slowly sinks, I've been directed to sing
I'm like a wrecking ball breaking down the walls of the past
I made up a list, living off bliss with the last of my cash
You're gonna be justified with how you treated the land
You're gonna be by my side, when I stand and demand a change
Change

They know not what they do




They know not what they do
Can we forgive them for that too?

Overall Meaning

In Nahko's song "Great Spirit," the lyrics are full of deep meaning and metaphors that encompass the artist's message. Nahko begins by asking his audience, "So which wolf will you feed?," which is a reference to an old Cherokee legend where a grandfather tells his grandson about the two wolves that live within him, one representing anger, fear, and doubt while the other symbolizes courage, love, and peace. Nahko then goes on to sing about his desire to return to the nomadic way of life, where people lived in harmony with nature, and to handle the damage caused by modern society with mindfulness. He repeats his intention to feed the right wolf and finds his peace among the chaos because he knows what he stands for.


Moreover, the song speaks of the impetus to understand and appreciate the struggles of others. Nahko asks the Great Spirit for his siblings' and relations' strength to face different forms of adversity, such as racism. The artist highlights the importance of being an advocate for positive change and not just an observer. The closing verse calls for people to recognize their role in the destruction of nature and acknowledges the need to strive for the betterment of life for all. Overall, "Great Spirit" is a call for conscious living and taking active steps towards healing the world.


Line by Line Meaning

So which wolf will you feed
What kind of thoughts and ideas would you like to nourish and develop?


One makes you strong, one makes you weak
One train of thought can empower you, while the other can make you feel powerless.


And those who know and those who seek
People who have insight and people who are searching for knowledge.


Amidst the chaos, find your peace (yeah)
Even when life is chaotic and confusing, seek out moments of tranquility and stillness.


I know which wolf I'll feed
I'm aware of which mindset I want to cultivate and develop.


Great spirit, I've had it
I've had enough of the way things are or the way people think.


Bring me back to the nomadic
Take me back to a lifestyle that's open, adventurous, and ever-changing.


Way of weaving through the damage
A way of finding resilience and hope in the face of difficult situations.


Mindful, stay mindful
Be aware of the present moment and approach things with clarity and insight.


Great spirit, for my sisters
I call upon a higher power to give strength and support to my female siblings.


Let me be a flowing river
May I be a symbol of fluidity, adaptability, and change.


Flood the banks, the rocks that bind her
Wash away obstacles and barriers that prevent my sister from flourishing.


Carry, I'll carry
I will support and uplift my sisters in their endeavors.


Great spirit, for my brothers
I call upon a higher power to give strength and support to my male siblings.


Let me be a mountain under
May I be a symbol of steadfastness, support, and unyielding strength.


Which he climbs to discover
May my brother find the courage to explore and seek new heights.


His process, now that's progress
His journey, learning, and growth are what matters.


Great Spirit, all that hinders
May a higher power assist in removing obstacles that prevent my growth.


Tie reminders to my fingers
Help me remember significant lessons from the past that can apply to the present.


I must speak to you more often
I will endeavor to make time for reflection and communicate with a higher power.


Great Spirit, for my relations
May a higher power provide support and guidance to my family and loved ones.


Give them strength to face racism
Help them build resilience and fortitude to combat discrimination.


In every single situation
May they receive guidance and strength in all circumstances, even in situations of injustice.


Easy now, go on, speak loud
Be brave and confident in your voice and your convictions.


Great Spirit, take me instead
May I take on the burdens of my loved ones and support them however I can.


Guide me down the road of red
Show me the way towards a path of compassion and peace.


Tunkashila, I am shamed, Great
I am humbled and have much to learn from a higher power.


Great Spirit, system collapsed
The current societal systems have failed and are no longer working.


Nothing but the Earth will last
Ultimately, only the natural world will remain and endure.


And I will be singing sweetly until the darkness
I will continue to sing and create beauty even in times of hardship and difficulty.


And how life is
Reflecting on the nature of existence.


Great Spirit, on my tongue
May a higher power guide my words and actions.


Be still, be still, the time will come
Times of stillness and quiet can be valuable and provide opportunities for reflection and growth.


When everyone will sing "All Life is Sacred"
A vision of a future where all people recognize the value and sanctity of all life.


Well, I'm waiting
Anticipating the arrival of a better future.


Great Spirit, my fist is up bringing the power to the people
I am calling upon a higher power to assist me in empowering and uplifting others.


You're a reflection of us
Our actions and attitudes shape the world we live in.


Some of you're people can't hear it
Some people are not receptive to change or new ideas.


The cries of the Earth
The urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation.


Some of you're people can't feel it
Some individuals may lack empathy or understanding for the struggles of others.


The way that it hurts
Highlighting the pain and trauma that can result from inequalities and injustices.


And it hurts, Great Spirit
The pain and suffering of the world is acute and palpable.


Oh, and it moves, Great Spirit
The spirit and energy of the world is constantly in motion.


Interconnected in the wreckage of a paradigm on
All things on this planet are profoundly connected, even in times of chaos and upheaval.


Its way out, its way out
The old ways of doing things are crumbling and making way for new ideas and systems.


Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
The power of music and lyrics to serve as a testimony to one's beliefs and convictions.


A spirited lyricist weaving around false prophecies
A songwriter using their words to criticize misleading or harmful beliefs.


A spirit directed and selected with the message I bring
As an artist, I've been called upon to deliver a particular message and use my platform for something meaningful.


While the ship slowly sinks, I've been directed to sing
Despite the state of the world, I will continue to make music and use my voice to speak out on important issues.


I'm like a wrecking ball breaking down the walls of the past
I am challenging outdated and harmful beliefs with my music and message.


I made up a list, living off bliss with the last of my cash
Despite financial difficulties, I choose to pursue a life full of joy and purpose.


You're gonna be justified with how you treated the land
Our actions towards the environment will be judged and scrutinized in the future.


You're gonna be by my side, when I stand and demand a change
I am calling on others to join me in advocating for change and standing up against injustice.


They know not what they do
Some people may be acting out of ignorance or unawareness.


Can we forgive them for that too?
Is it possible to extend forgiveness and empathy to those who have wronged you or the world?




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Joel Bell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Cödeva Media

"Great Spirit"

So which wolf will you feed
One makes you strong, one makes you weak
And those who know and those who seek
Amidst the chaos, find your peace (yeah)
I know which wolf I'll feed
I know which wolf I'll feed

Great spirit, I've had it
Bring me back to the nomadic
Way of weaving through the damage
Mindful, stay mindful
Great spirit, for my sisters
Let me be a flowing river
Flood the banks, the rocks that bind her
Carry, I'll carry

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great spirit, for my brothers
Let me be a mountain under
Which he climbs to discover
His process, now that's progress
Great Spirit, all that hinders
Tie reminders to my fingers
I must speak to you more often

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great Spirit, for my relations
Give them strength to face racism
In every single situation
Easy now, go on, speak loud
Great Spirit, take me instead
Guide me down the road of red
Tunkashila, I am shamed, Great

Oh Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, oh yeah

Great Spirit, system collapsed
Nothing but the Earth will last
And I will be singing sweetly until the darkness
And how life is
Great Spirit, on my tongue
Be still, be still, the time will come
When everyone will sing "All Life is Sacred"
Well, I'm waiting
Great Spirit, my fist is up bringing the power to the people
You're a reflection of us
Some of you're people can't hear it
The cries of the Earth
Some of you're people can't feel it
The way that it hurts
And it hurts, Great Spirit
Oh, and it moves, Great Spirit
Interconnected in the wreckage of a paradigm on
Its way out, its way out
Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
A spirited lyricist weaving around false prophecies
A spirit directed and selected with the message I bring
While the ship slowly sinks, I've been directed to sing
I'm like a wrecking ball breaking down the walls of the past
I made up a list, living off bliss with the last of my cash
You're gonna be justified with how you treated the land
You're gonna be by my side, when I stand and demand a change
Change

They know not what they do
They know not what they do
Can we forgive them for that too?



Mary Land

Great spirit, I've had it
Bring me back to the nomadic
Way of weaving through the damage
Mindful, stay mindful
Great spirit, for my sisters
Let me be a flowing river
Flood the banks, the rocks that bind her
Carry, I'll carry

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

{Verse 2}
Great spirit, for my brothers
Let me be a mountain under
Which he climbs to discover
His process, now that's progress
Great Spirit, all that hinders
Tie reminders to my fingers
I must speak to you more often
Mmmmm

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

{Verse 3}
Great Spirit, for my relations
Give them strength to face racism
In every single situation
Easy now, go on, speak loud
Great Spirit, take me instead
Guide me down the road of red
Tunkashila, I am saying, praying
Great spirit, great spirit

Oh Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, oh yeah

{Verse 4}
Great Spirit, system collapse
Nothing but the Earth will last
And I will be singing sweetly until the darkness
And how life is
Great Spirit, on my tongue
Be still, be still, the time will come
When everyone will sing "All Life is Sacred"
Well, I'm waiting
Great Spirit, my fist is up bringing the power to the people
You're a reflection of us
Some of your people can't hear it
The cries of the Earth
Some of your people can't feel it
The way that it hurts
And it hurts, Great Spirit
and it moves, Great Spirit
Interconnected in the wreckage of a paradigm on
Its way out, its way out
Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
A spirited lyricist weaving around false prophecies
A spirit directed and selected with the message I bring
While the ship slowly sinks, I've been directed to sing
I'm like a wrecking ball breaking down the walls of the past
A minimalist, living off bliss with the last of my cash
You're gonna be justified with how you treated the land
You're gonna be by my side, when I stand and demand a change
Change
Tunkashila
Tunkashila
Tunkashila
Tunkashila
Great spirit- repeat



Goddess Mimi Love

💕💫💫💫Lyrics 💫💫💫💕

Great spirit, I've had it
Bring me back to the nomadic
Way of weaving through the damage
Mindful, stay mindful
Great spirit, for my sisters
Let me be a flowing river
Flood the banks, the rocks that bind her
Carry, I'll carry

[Chorus]
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

[Verse 2]
Great spirit, for my brothers
Let me be a mountain under
Which he climbs to discover
His process, now that's progress
Great Spirit, all that hinders
Tie reminders to my fingers
I must speak to you more often

Chorus]
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

[Verse 3]
Great Spirit, for my relations
Give them strength to face racism
In every single situation
Easy now, go on, speak loud
Great Spirit, take me instead
Guide me down the road of red
Tunkashila, I am saying, praying
Oh Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, oh yeah

[Verse 4]
Great Spirit, system collapse
Nothing but the Earth will last
And I will be singing sweetly until the darkness
And how life is
Great Spirit, on my tongue
Be still, be still, the time will come
When everyone will sing "All Life is Sacred"
Well, I'm waiting
Great Spirit, my fist is up bringing the power to the people
You're a reflection of us
Some of your people can't hear it
The cries of the Earth
Some of your people can't feel it
The way that it hurts
And it hurts, Great Spirit
Oh, and it moves, Great Spirit
Interconnected in the wreckage of a paradigm on
Its way out, its way out
Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
A spirited lyricist weaving around false prophecies
A spirit directed and selected with the message I bring
While the ship slowly sinks, I've been directed to sing
I'm like a wrecking ball breaking down the walls of the past
A minimalist, living off bliss with the last of my cash
You're gonna be justified with how you treated the land
You're gonna be by my side, when I stand and demand a change
Change
**Outro**
They know not what they do
They know not what they do
Can we forgive them for their due?
That's up to you



Nic Van Sande

This song has reconnected me to the voice of my heart for over a decade...

No mather how heavy the weight of our disconnected unrooted society pulls at me... from the first to the last note, i can feel a sacred flow running through me again

Always it compels me to sing loud and from deep within

A last less positive note.

The vast level of IN-TO-ME-SEE (intemecy) this piano version of this healing song has

For me! Is complete lost in his later, fully produced versions



PopADoseYo

Great spirit, I have had it
Bring me back to the nomadic
Way of weaving through the damage
Mindful, stay mindful

Great spirit for my sisters
Let me be a flowing river
Flood the banks the rocks that bind her
Carry, i'll carry

Great, great spirit (uh-oh-oh)
Great, great spirit

Great spirit, for my brothers
Let me be a mountain under
Which he climbs to discover, his process
Now thats progress

Great spirit, all that hinders
Tie reminders to my fingers
I must speak to you more often

Great, great spirit (uh-oh-oh)
Great, great spirit

Great spirit, for my relations
Give them strength to face racism
In every single situation, easy now
Go on speak loud

Great spirit, take me instead
Guide me down the rode of red
Tunkashila, I am saying
Praying

Great, great spirit (uh-oh-oh)
Great, great spirit

Tunkashila
Tunkashila
Tunkashila
Tunkashila

Great spirit, just don't collapse
Nothing but the earth will last
And i'll be singing sweetly into the darkness
Now hark this

Great spirit, on my tongue
Be still, be still
The time will come
When everyone will sing all life is sacred
While i'm waiting

Great spirit, my fist is up
Bringing the power to the people
Your reflection of us
Some of your people can't hear it
The cries of the earth
Some of your people can't feel it
The way that it hurts
And it hurts, great spirit
And it moves, great spirit
Interconnected in the wreckage
Of a paradigm on its way out
Its way out

Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
The spirit that did resist
Weaving around false prophecies
Spirit directed and selected
With the message i bring
While the ship slowly sinks
I've been directed to sing

I'm like a wrecking ball
Breaking down the walls of the past
A minimalist
Livin' on bliss
With the last of my cash
You're gonna be justified
With how you treated the land
You're gonna be by my side
When i stand and demand
A change

Tunkashila
Tunkashila
Tunkashila
Tunkashila (Grandfather)

Great, great spirit
Great, great spirit
Great, great spirit

Tunkashila
Great, great spirit
Tunkashila



V cube

Great spirit, I've had it
Bring me back to the nomadic
Way of weaving through the damage
Mindful, stay mindful
Great spirit, for my sisters
Let me be a flowing river
Flood the banks, the rocks that bind her
Carry, I'll carry

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great spirit, for my brothers
Let me be a mountain under
Which he climbs to discover
His process, now that's progress
Great Spirit, all that hinders
Tie reminders to my fingers
I must speak to you more often

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great Spirit, for my relations
Give them strength to face racism
In every single situation
Easy now, go on, speak loud
Great Spirit, take me instead
Guide me down the road of red
Tunkashila, I am shamed, Great

Oh Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, oh yeah

Great Spirit, system collapsed
Nothing but the Earth will last
And I will be singing sweetly until the darkness
And how life is
Great Spirit, on my tongue
Be still, be still, the time will come
When everyone will sing "All Life is Sacred"
Well, I'm waiting
Great Spirit, my fist is up bringing the power to the people
You're a reflection of us
Some of you're people can't hear it
The cries of the Earth
Some of you're people can't feel it
The way that it hurts
And it hurts, Great Spirit
Oh, and it moves, Great Spirit
Interconnected in the wreckage of a paradigm on
Its way out, its way out
Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
A spirited lyricist weaving around false prophecies
A spirit directed and selected with the message I bring
While the ship slowly sinks, I've been directed to sing
I'm like a wrecking ball breaking down the walls of the past
I made up a list, living off bliss with the last of my cash
You're gonna be justified with how you treated the land
You're gonna be by my side, when I stand and demand a change
Change

They know not what they do
They know not what they do
Can we forgive them for that too?



benkalltoum rihani

So which wolf will you feed
One makes you strong, one makes you weak
And those who know and those who seek
Amidst the chaos, find your peace (yeah)
I know which wolf I'll feed
I know which wolf I'll feed

Great spirit, I've had it
Bring me back to the nomadic
Way of weaving through the damage
Mindful, stay mindful
Great spirit, for my sisters
Let me be a flowing river
Flood the banks, the rocks that bind her
Carry, I'll carry

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great spirit, for my brothers
Let me be a mountain under
Which he climbs to discover
His process, now that's progress
Great Spirit, all that hinders
Tie reminders to my fingers
I must speak to you more often

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great Spirit, for my relations
Give them strength to face racism
In every single situation
Easy now, go on, speak loud
Great Spirit, take me instead
Guide me down the road of red
Tunkashila, I am shamed, Great

Oh Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, oh yeah

Great Spirit, system collapsed
Nothing but the Earth will last
And I will be singing sweetly until the darkness
And how life is
Great Spirit, on my tongue
Be still, be still, the time will come
When everyone will sing "All Life is Sacred"
Well, I'm waiting
Great Spirit, my fist is up bringing the power to the people
You're a reflection of us
Some of you're people can't hear it
The cries of the Earth
Some of you're people can't feel it
The way that it hurts
And it hurts, Great Spirit
Oh, and it moves, Great Spirit
Interconnected in the wreckage of a paradigm on
Its way out, its way out
Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
A spirited lyricist weaving around false prophecies
A spirit directed and selected with the message I bring
While the ship slowly sinks, I've been directed to sing
I'm like a wrecking ball breaking down the walls of the past
I made up a list, living off bliss with the last of my cash
You're gonna be justified with how you treated the land
You're gonna be by my side, when I stand and demand a change
Change

They know not what they do
They know not what they do
Can we forgive them for that too?



All comments from YouTube:

Belle Lever

I still love and believe in you Nahko and appreciate your story. Thank you for sharing.

Mama Bear 🐻

I play this when I need to get back in balance.
Thank you for providing this connection.

Cödeva Media

"Great Spirit"

So which wolf will you feed
One makes you strong, one makes you weak
And those who know and those who seek
Amidst the chaos, find your peace (yeah)
I know which wolf I'll feed
I know which wolf I'll feed

Great spirit, I've had it
Bring me back to the nomadic
Way of weaving through the damage
Mindful, stay mindful
Great spirit, for my sisters
Let me be a flowing river
Flood the banks, the rocks that bind her
Carry, I'll carry

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great spirit, for my brothers
Let me be a mountain under
Which he climbs to discover
His process, now that's progress
Great Spirit, all that hinders
Tie reminders to my fingers
I must speak to you more often

Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh
Great, Great Spirit
Oh oo oh

Great Spirit, for my relations
Give them strength to face racism
In every single situation
Easy now, go on, speak loud
Great Spirit, take me instead
Guide me down the road of red
Tunkashila, I am shamed, Great

Oh Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, yeah
Tunkashila, oh yeah

Great Spirit, system collapsed
Nothing but the Earth will last
And I will be singing sweetly until the darkness
And how life is
Great Spirit, on my tongue
Be still, be still, the time will come
When everyone will sing "All Life is Sacred"
Well, I'm waiting
Great Spirit, my fist is up bringing the power to the people
You're a reflection of us
Some of you're people can't hear it
The cries of the Earth
Some of you're people can't feel it
The way that it hurts
And it hurts, Great Spirit
Oh, and it moves, Great Spirit
Interconnected in the wreckage of a paradigm on
Its way out, its way out
Speaking of spiritual lyrical testimonies
A spirited lyricist weaving around false prophecies
A spirit directed and selected with the message I bring
While the ship slowly sinks, I've been directed to sing
I'm like a wrecking ball breaking down the walls of the past
I made up a list, living off bliss with the last of my cash
You're gonna be justified with how you treated the land
You're gonna be by my side, when I stand and demand a change
Change

They know not what they do
They know not what they do
Can we forgive them for that too?

jsmyth024

I can't be the only person who gets serious chills every time these songs starts. It's so powerful.

Patti Williams

We are singing…in rounds, around the world…”All life is sacred”.

Ahni Elizabeth

You are NOT the only one... I believe most of us that are awake deeply feel the messages Nahko gives us in his music. To me... It connects me to spirit and helps me in my highest vibration to make a difference on earth. Thank you for your comment, Aho!

randywatchingbush

you are correct, you are NOT the only person who gets chills listening to this medicine

Stacy Matie

When a song gives me chills I feel it is truthbumps ❤Love Letters to God is one of my favs. Thanks Nakho

Squirrel Butler

No, there's probably 3 or 4 of you

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AVuńit

Nahko bear and Tom Macdonald are probably two most under rated artists in billboards today. They produce genuine art. So appreciated in these times

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