Sharon was raised in the traditional Navajo culture in New Mexico and spoke… Read Full Bio ↴Sharon was raised in the traditional Navajo culture in New Mexico and spoke only Navajo until she began school. Her music is the contemporary expression of traditional Navajo ways and living. Many of Sharon's songs are in the beautiful Navajo language and capture the sacredness of Mother Earth and Father Sun and the importance of family.

Don't Be Afraid
Sharon Burch Lyrics

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Don't be afraid, don't be afraid
Don't be afraid, my baby

It's only the thunder playing games up in the sky
It's only the wind blowing through the tree top
It's only the rain children dancing the flowers

Doo níjíldzid da, doo níjíldzid da

Doo níjíldzid da, shiyázhí
Ii'ni' nidaané, nízaadi, hót'áahadi
Níyol dahataal ei tsin bílátahdi
Níltsa' álchíní da'alzhish ch'il bílátahdi

(Hááyhóó, hááyóó, hááyóó, nizhóní yee' ei)
(Hááyóó, hááyóó, hááyóó hale)

Overall Meaning

In Sharon Burch's song "Don't Be Afraid," the repeated refrain "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid" serves as a soothing reminder that there is nothing to fear. The lyrics go on to explain that the natural elements such as thunder, wind, and rain are not something to be feared, but rather they are playing games in the sky, blowing through the tree tops, and dancing with the flowers. The verses switch from English to Navajo, with the Navajo lyrics further emphasizing the beauty and connection to nature. The Navajo lyrics translate to "The wind is carrying the pollen, the water is precious, the lightening is powerful, the sun is warm, and the earth is sacred."

Overall, Burch's song is meant to be a comforting message to anyone feeling afraid, stressed, or overwhelmed. It reminds listeners to connect with nature and find peace in its beauty.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't be afraid, don't be afraid
There's no need to fear, my dear

Don't be afraid, my baby
Don't worry, little one

It's only the thunder playing games up in the sky
The loud noise you hear is just thunder shaking things up in the clouds

It's only the wind blowing through the tree top
The sound of leaves rustling is just the wind moving through the branches

It's only the rain children dancing the flowers
The raindrops falling and bouncing off the petals are like a dance for the flowers

Doo níjíldzid da, doo níjíldzid da
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid

Doo níjíldzid da, shiyázhí
Don't worry, my child

Ii'ni' nidaané, nízaadi, hót'áahadi
Just the thunder, the wind, and the rain, you see

Níyol dahataal ei tsin bílátahdi
The lightning may be bright, but it's still natural

Níltsa' álchíní da'alzhish ch'il bílátahdi
And the storm will eventually pass, you'll see

(Hááyhóó, hááyóó, hááyóó, nizhóní yee' ei)
(Listen, listen, listen, to the beauty around us)