Run To The Hills
Van Canto Lyrics

In Van Canto's "Run to the Hills," the lyrics speak about the historical colonization and mistreatment of Native Americans by white settlers. The opening lines reflect the arrival of European colonizers, symbolically referred to as the "white man," who brought pain and suffering to the indigenous tribes. This pain is described through the tribulation of losing their land, their way of life, and their freedom, as well as the violence and killing that occurred.

The lyrics convey the resistance of the Native Americans against the intrusion of the settlers. They fought hard and valiantly on the plains, but the sheer number of white settlers overwhelmed them. The line "too much for Cree" signifies that despite their efforts, they were defeated and subjected to the dominance of the colonizers. The longing for freedom is expressed, questioning if they will ever break free from the oppression.

The next verse reflects the brutality of the settlers, as they continue their conquest by hunting, killing, raping, and exploiting the Native Americans. The term "soldier blue" refers to the uniformed soldiers who were complicit in these acts, highlighting how the abuse was carried out systematically. The line "the only good Indians are tame" implies the settlers' belief that Native Americans who had assimilated or submitted to their control were considered acceptable, while those who resisted were considered a threat.

The repeated plea to "run to the hills" in the chorus represents the desperate call for survival. The lives of the Native Americans are at stake, and the only option left is to flee and seek refuge in the mountains, away from the violence and cruelty. The urgency of the situation is emphasized by the phrase "Run for your lives," urging them to escape and preserve their existence.

In summary, "Run to the Hills" is a song that draws attention to the historical atrocities committed against Native Americans during colonization. It explores the themes of oppression, resistance, and the longing for freedom. The lyrics serve as a reminder of the injustices faced by indigenous peoples and the importance of understanding and respecting their history.