Alcatraz
Nazareth Lyrics

The song "Alcatraz" by Nazareth is a poignant commentary on the struggles faced by Native Americans in the United States. The lyrics paint a picture of a displaced and marginalized people, forced to beg for spare change on Market Street while being pursued by the Coast Guard. They are constantly harassed and manipulated by Uncle Sam and their own tribal leaders, who are more concerned with feeding their own families than the welfare of their tribe. The singer is tired of this way of life and longs to return to Alcatraz--a symbol of freedom and rebellion--where he can live on his own terms.

The reference to Alcatraz is significant in several ways. In the late 1960s, a group of Native American activists occupied the abandoned island prison for over a year, demanding recognition of their sovereignty and rights to the land. This act of resistance, known as the Alcatraz Occupation, was a pivotal moment in the Native American civil rights movement and inspired other protests and movements in the following decades. By invoking Alcatraz in the song, Nazareth pays tribute to this history and suggests that the struggle for Native American rights is ongoing and far from over.

The lyrics also touch on themes of identity and belonging. The singer's "American blood runs cold" and he feels like a stranger in his own land. He has left his home in Oklahoma to search for a place where he can truly belong, but finds himself constantly on the move and at the mercy of others. The line "It's not the life for a nineteen seventy Indian boy to do" suggests that the singer is part of a generation that is questioning the status quo and seeking a better future.

Overall, "Alcatraz" is a powerful song that speaks to the experiences of Native Americans in the United States, while also touching on themes of identity, belonging, and resistance.