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Some sources list this as an Iroquois song, but in 2017, research suggested the original song came from the Arapaho tribe. There are two different possible translations of the song. (source)
Lyrics - Arapaho
(Native American folk song – Arapaho)
Ani couni chaouani
Ani couni chaouani
Awawa bikana caïna
Awawa bikana caïna
E aouni bissini
E aouni bissini
Possible English Translation – When evening descended upon the Indian village
When evening descended upon the Indian village,
When evening descended upon the Indian village
The Medicine-man disappeared into the forest,
The Medicine-man disappeared into the forest,
Touching the ground with his hands
Touching the ground with his hands.
(source)
Possible English Translation – Father, have mercy on me
Father, have mercy on me,
Father, have mercy on me;
Because I’m dying of thirst,
Because I’m dying of thirst;
Everything is gone – I have nothing to eat,
Everything is gone – I have nothing to eat.
(source)
YouTube
- Song with chords (PDF)
- MIDI file
- Listen to the song
