Buffalo Soldier
Rita Marley And The I Threes Lyrics
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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
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
The song "Buffalo Soldier" performed by Rita Marley and the I Threes is a tribute to the Afro-American soldiers, who were taken from Africa and brought to America to fight for the country during the Indian Wars of the late 1800s. The song speaks about the history of slavery and how it impacted the lives of the Buffalo Soldiers. The lyrics describe the soldiers as being "stolen from Africa, brought to America, fighting on arrival and fighting for survival." The phrase "Buffalo Soldier" was used to refer to the African American soldiers who fought against the Native Americans during these wars.
The lyrics also draw a parallel between the Buffalo Soldier and the Rastafari culture, describing the soldier as a "Dreadlock Rasta." This reference to Rastafarianism reinforces the idea that the soldier was a strong and courageous fighter, who was also spiritually grounded. The song emphasizes the importance of history and urges people to know their roots and understand where they come from.
Overall, "Buffalo Soldier" is a powerful song that honors the contribution of African American soldiers to the history of the United States. It raises awareness about the injustices that these soldiers faced and celebrates their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
This refers to a particular kind of soldier who is of African origin and has dreadlocks.
There was a Buffalo Soldier
This line serves as an introduction to the song's central character.
In the heart of America
The character or the Buffalo Soldier is in America despite being from Africa.
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
The Buffalo Soldier was taken away from his origin and brought to America against his will.
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Upon getting to America, the Buffalo Soldier had to fight to survive due to the conditions he was subjected to.
I mean it when I analyze the stench
The song's narrator is serious when they speak of the conditions under which the Buffalo Soldier was brought to America.
To me, it makes a lot of sense
The singer makes sense of why the Buffalo Soldier was in the situation he found himself in.
How the Dreadlock Rasta was the Buffalo Soldier
The Buffalo Soldier refers to a dreadlock-wearing soldier and vice versa.
If you know your history
This implies that the song is a historical reference, and those who understand history will contextualize the song's narrative better.
Then you would know where you coming from
Knowing the past is important in understanding the present and the future.
Then you wouldn't have to ask me
Knowing the past would mean not seeking further explanation from others.
Who the heck do I think I am
People ask questions to the artist, prompting this line from the artist.
I'm just a Buffalo Soldier
The singer is part of the Buffalo Soldier lineage and impacted by the events and history mentioned in the song.
Win the war for America
The Buffalo Soldier was eventually used as a tool to win wars in America.
Trodding through the land
The Buffalo soldier traversed through various terrains and territories in America.
Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
The Buffalo Soldier is making a statement about how his freedom and rights are at the mercy of how those in charge feel.
Driven from the mainland
The Buffalo Soldier was forced out of the mainland of his native country, Africa.
To the heart of the Caribbean
The Buffalo Soldier was left to dwell in the Caribbean after being forced out of Africa.
In the arms of America
The Buffalo Soldier is in America's care, supposedly protected and cared for as a citizen.
Trodding through San Juan
The Buffalo Soldier is making his way through a geographical region in San Juan.
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
The Buffalo Soldier had to fight upon his arrival in San Juan just as he had to fight in America.
Singing, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
This is a repeated phrase that acts like a chant, representing a form of resistance, and encouragement to overcome whatever situation the song is addressing.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Marley, Noel Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind