Buffalo Soldier
O'Yaba Lyrics

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Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
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

How the Dreadlock Rasta was the Buffalo Soldier
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

Overall Meaning

The song Buffalo Soldier by O'Yaba is about the historical figure of the Buffalo Soldier, who was a black soldier in the American army in the 19th century. The lyrics tell the story of the Buffalo Soldier, who was taken from Africa and brought to America as a slave, but then became a soldier and fought for America in its wars. The phrase "Buffalo Soldier" was used to describe the black soldiers in the American army, who were given this nickname by the Native Americans they fought against in the Indian Wars. The term may have been either a term of respect, as the buffalo was sacred, or an insult, as the soldiers' hair was similar in appearance to a buffalo's fur.

The lyrics use the metaphor of the "Dreadlock Rasta" to describe the Buffalo Soldier, highlighting the cultural difference between African-Americans and the rest of American society. The Dreadlock Rasta is used as a symbol of the soldier's African heritage, contrasting with the American society in which he fought. The lyrics also stress the idea of fighting for survival, suggesting that the difficult conditions the black soldiers faced in America left them with little choice but to fight for their own survival.

Overall, the song highlights the struggle of the Buffalo Soldier to find a place in American society, and to fight for his own survival and rights against impossible odds. It is a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of the black soldiers who fought for America despite being treated as second-class citizens.

Line by Line Meaning

Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
The song is about the Buffalo Soldier, who is also referred to as the "Dreadlock Rasta."

There was a Buffalo Soldier
The song talks about the existence of the Buffalo Soldier.

In the heart of America
The Buffalo Soldier was in America when the events of the song took place.

Stolen from Africa, brought to America
The Buffalo Soldier was taken from Africa and brought to America against their will.

Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
The Buffalo Soldier had to fight to survive upon their arrival in America.

I mean it, when I analyze the stench
The smell that can be analyzed relates to the harsh conditions and struggles that the Buffalo Soldier had to face.

To me, it makes a lot of sense
The overall message of the song regarding the struggles and injustices that the Buffalo Soldier had to endure makes sense to the singer.

Said he was a Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
The Buffalo Soldier is once again referred to as the "Dreadlock Rasta."

If you know your history
If you are knowledgeable about history.

Then you would know where you coming from
Knowing history can help an individual to understand their roots and origins.

Then you wouldn't have to ask me
If you knew your history, you would not need to ask the singer about their identity.

Who the heck do I think I am
The singer is implying that people ask them this question because they do not understand the context of the song.

I'm just a Buffalo Soldier
The singer is a representation of the Buffalo Soldier in the song.

Win the war for America
The Buffalo Soldier fought for America despite being taken there involuntarily.

Dreadie, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
This is an expression used to emphasize the difficult and sad circumstances that the Buffalo Soldier had to endure.

Buffalo Soldier, trodding through the land
The Buffalo Soldier is still fighting for survival and continuing to go through various parts of the land.

Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
The Buffalo Soldier is struggling but still actively seeking help and support.

Driven from the mainland
The Buffalo Soldier was forced out of their homeland.

To the heart of the caribbean
The Buffalo Soldier ended up in the Caribbean despite being taken to America.

Trodding through San Juan
The Buffalo Soldier made their way to San Juan in the Caribbean.

In the arms of America
The Buffalo Soldier may have been forced to have strong ties to America despite not wanting to be there.

Trodding through Jamaica, a Buffalo Soldier
The Buffalo Soldier made their way to Jamaica and was still struggling to survive.

Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
The Buffalo Soldier was always fighting for their survival, even upon arriving in the Caribbean.

Singing, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
The singer is still expressing their sadness for the Buffalo Soldier's struggles despite the challenges that the Buffalo Soldier faces.

Woe yoe yeo yo, yo yo woe yo woe yo yoe
This repetition further emphasizes the difficult circumstances that the Buffalo Soldier had to endure.

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Marley, Noel Williams

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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