Wampum Prayer
Tori Amos Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

In our hand
An old old old thread
Trail of Blood
And amens
Greed is the gift
For the sons
Of the songs
Hear this prayer
Of the wampum




This is the tie
That will bind us

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tori Amos’ song ‘Wampum Prayer’ are steeped in indigenous American symbolism, as the artist pays homage to the power and importance of the wampum. The wampum, a string of decorative shells and beads, was once used by indigenous tribes in exchange for goods and services as well as to symbolize important commitments and agreements. It is said that the wampum carries with it the spirit of the people, and in this song, Tori Amos is invoking this power to unite and bind people together.


Line by Line Meaning

In our hand
With our physical power


An old old old thread
An ancient lineage


Trail of Blood
A history of violence


And amens
And acknowledgments of faith


Greed is the gift
The present given to us is our insatiable desire


For the sons
For future generations


Of the songs
Born from music and culture


Hear this prayer
Listen to this plea


Of the wampum
Regarding the sacred beads of our people


This is the tie
This is the connection


That will bind us
That will bring us together




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: TORI ELLEN AMOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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