Coolidge's early career was as a backing vocalist, for artists such as Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, and Leon Russell. Her performance of "Superstar" on the Cocker/Russell Mad Dogs and Englishmen album helped gain her attention. She became known as "The Delta Lady" and inspired Leon Russell to write a song of the same name for her. It was during this time that she met Kris Kristofferson; the two married in 1973. With him, she recorded several duet albums which sold well, and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1974 for From the Bottle to the Bottom, and in 1976 for Lover Please.
In 1997, Coolidge was one of the founding members of Walela, a Native American music trio, that also includes Coolidge's sister Priscilla and Priscilla's daughter Laura Satterfield. The trio released albums in 1997 and 2000. Walela means hummingbird in Cherokee.
Cherokee
Rita Coolidge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wi-na-de-ya, wi-na-de-ya
Ho-ho-ho-ho
He-ya-ho, he-ya-ho
Ya-ya-ya
Wi-na-de-ya-ho, wi-na-de-ya-ho
Wi-na-de-ya, wi-na-de-ya
He-ya-ho, he-ya-ho
Ya-ya-ya
Wi-na-de-ya-ho, wi-na-de-ya-ho
Wi-na-de-ya, wi-na-de-ya
Ho-ho-ho-ho
He-ya-ho, he-ya-ho
Ya-ya-ya
Wi-na-de-ya-ho, wi-na-de-ya-ho
Wi-na-de-ya, wi-na-de-ya
Ho-ho-ho-ho
He-ya-ho, he-ya-ho
Ya-ya-ya
The Cherokee Morning Song is a traditional chant/prayer that is sung to offer gratitude to the natural world and Mother Earth. The song begins with the repetition of "Wi-na-de-ya-ho" which is commonly translated to "We give thanks." This phrase is repeated throughout the song, along with other vocalizations like "he-ya-ho" and "ya-ya-ya." The song is a beautiful tribute to the Native American culture and highlights the importance of paying respect to the Earth and all its elements.
The song's melody and lyrics have been passed down for generations within the Cherokee community. It has been used in various ceremonies like weddings, funerals, and other religious events. The song found mainstream attention when it was included in the 1974 movie "The Exorcist." The song has also been performed by notable artists like Rita Coolidge, Laura Satterfield, and Priscilla Coolidge.
Line by Line Meaning
Wi-na-de-ya-ho, wi-na-de-ya-ho
A prayer for strength and guidance in the journey ahead.
Wi-na-de-ya, wi-na-de-ya
An acknowledgement of the earth and all its beauty.
Ho-ho-ho-ho
A celebration of the natural world.
He-ya-ho, he-ya-ho
A call to the spirit world for protection and wisdom.
Ya-ya-ya
A joyful expression of gratitude and appreciation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Laura Satterfield, Priscilla Coolidge, Rita Coolidge, Robbie Robertson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind