About the song
“Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian)” by Paul Revere & the Raiders is a poignant and powerful song that resonates deeply with listeners, especially those with a fondness for classic rock and historical narratives. Released in 1971, this track quickly became one of the band’s most iconic songs, capturing the essence of the struggles faced by Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee tribe.
The song was written by John D. Loudermilk and first recorded by Marvin Rainwater in 1959 under the title “The Pale Faced Indian.” However, it was the version by Paul Revere & the Raiders that brought it into the spotlight. The band’s rendition, with Mark Lindsay’s impassioned vocals and the evocative lyrics, struck a chord with a wide audience, leading it to achieve significant commercial success.
“Indian Reservation” was featured on the album “Indian Reservation,” which marked a shift in the band’s musical direction towards more socially conscious themes. The song’s narrative revolves around the forced relocation of the Cherokee people, known as the Trail of Tears, and serves as a lament for the loss of their land and way of life. Its haunting melody and powerful message made it an anthem for awareness and empathy.
The song’s impact was undeniable, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1971, and earning Paul Revere & the Raiders their first and only No. 1 hit. This achievement was a testament to the song’s ability to connect with the zeitgeist of the early 1970s, a time when social issues and cultural heritage were increasingly coming to the forefront of public consciousness.
“Indian Reservation” remains a significant piece of American rock history, remembered not only for its musicality but also for its heartfelt portrayal of a somber chapter in Native American history. It stands as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Cherokee and a call to acknowledge and respect the histories and struggles of indigenous peoples.
Video
Lyrics
They took the whole Cherokee nation
Put us on this reservation
Took away our ways of life
The tomahawk and the bow and knife
Took away our native tongue
And taught their English to our young
And all the beads we made by hand
Are nowadays made in Japan
Cherokee people
Cherokee tribe
So proud to live
So proud to die
They took the whole Indian nation
Locked us on this reservation
Though I wear a shirt and tie
I’m still part redman deep inside
Cherokee people
Cherokee tribe
So proud to live
So proud to die
But maybe someday when they learn
Cherokee nation will return, will return
Will return, will return, will return