Native American Songs and Chants
There is little, if any, distinctions between Native American poetry, songs, and chants. Almost all poems were sung or chanted, either alone or in groups. There were songs for everything. Singing/chanting was an integral part of daily activities. Few songs have "gone mainstream." The three very old songs below are exceptions.
Shoshone Love Song
Fair is the white star of twilight,
and the sky clearer at the day's end;
But she is fairer, and she is dearer.
She, my heart's friend!
Far stars and fair in the skies bending,
Low stars of hearth fires and wood smoke ascending,
The meadow-lark's nested,
The night hawk is winging;
Home through the star-shine the hunter comes singing.
Fair is the white star of twilight,
And the moon roving
To the sky's end;
But she is fairer, better worth loving,
She, my heart's friend
Source: Wind River Reservation (Shoshone Nation)
The present melody is credited to Roger Emerson
Mohawk Indian Prayer
Oh Great Spirit, Creator of all things;
Human Beings, trees, grass, berries.
Help us, be kind to us.
Let us be happy on earth.
Let us lead our children
To a good life and old age.
These our people; give them good minds
To love one another.
Oh Great Spirit,
Be kind to us
Give these people the favor
To see green trees,
Green grass, flowers, and berries
This next spring;
So we all meet again
Oh Great Spirit,
We ask of you.
Source: First People of America and First People of Canada website
Cherokee Morning Song
I am of the Great Spirit, Ho!
I am of the Great Spirit, Ho!
Ho! It is so, It is so.
Ho! It is do, It is so.
Repeat at least once.
[I first heard this song from my grandmother of the United Keetowah Band (Cherokee). She sung this song in both Cherokee and English. She used the work "Jehovah" rather than "Great Spirit," being a good Methodist.] Chants & other repetitions are common in Native American prayers and spiritual songs.
Fair is the white star of twilight,
and the sky clearer at the day's end;
But she is fairer, and she is dearer.
She, my heart's friend!
Far stars and fair in the skies bending,
Low stars of hearth fires and wood smoke ascending,
The meadow-lark's nested,
The night hawk is winging;
Home through the star-shine the hunter comes singing.
Fair is the white star of twilight,
And the moon roving
To the sky's end;
But she is fairer, better worth loving,
She, my heart's friend
Source: Wind River Reservation (Shoshone Nation)
The present melody is credited to Roger Emerson
Mohawk Indian Prayer
Oh Great Spirit, Creator of all things;
Human Beings, trees, grass, berries.
Help us, be kind to us.
Let us be happy on earth.
Let us lead our children
To a good life and old age.
These our people; give them good minds
To love one another.
Oh Great Spirit,
Be kind to us
Give these people the favor
To see green trees,
Green grass, flowers, and berries
This next spring;
So we all meet again
Oh Great Spirit,
We ask of you.
Source: First People of America and First People of Canada website
Cherokee Morning Song
I am of the Great Spirit, Ho!
I am of the Great Spirit, Ho!
Ho! It is so, It is so.
Ho! It is do, It is so.
Repeat at least once.
[I first heard this song from my grandmother of the United Keetowah Band (Cherokee). She sung this song in both Cherokee and English. She used the work "Jehovah" rather than "Great Spirit," being a good Methodist.] Chants & other repetitions are common in Native American prayers and spiritual songs.