Colors Of The Wind lyrics by Judy Kuhn
Colors Of The Wind Song Lyrics
You think I'm an ignorant savage
And you've been so many places
I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see
If the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don't know?
You don't know ...
You think you own whatever land you land on
The Earth is just a dead thing you can claim
But I know every rock and tree and creature
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name
You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You'll learn things you never knew you never knew
Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned?
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest
Come taste the sunsweet berries of the Earth
Come roll in all the riches all around you
And for once, never wonder what they're worth
The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends
How high does the sycamore grow?
If you cut it down, then you'll never know
And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
For whether we are white or copper skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountains
We need to paint with all the colors of the wind
You can own the Earth and still
All you'll own is Earth until
You can paint with all the colors of the wind
About
March, 12th 2024The song begins by confronting the listener's potential prejudices and assumptions about otjer cultures, particularly the indigenous peoples of North America. The lyrics, "You think I'm an ignorant savage," immediately address the dehumanizing stereotypes that have historically been imposed on indigenous peoples by colonizers. This opening sets the stage for a narrative that seeks to dismantle these misconceptions and invite the listener to see the world through a more respectful and holistic lens.
The heart of the song lies in its reverence for the natural world, contrasting the indigenous perspective of living in harmony with the earth against the colonizers' tendency to exploit it. Lines like "But I know every rock and tree and creature / Has a life, has a spirit, has a name" encapsulate the belief in the intrinsic value and sacredness of all aspects of nature, challenging the notion that the earth is a resource to be owned and used.
"Colors of the Wind" also emphasizes the theme of interconnectedness, with metaphors that highlight the relationship between humans and nature. The imagery of the wolf crying to the blue corn moon, the rainstorm and river as siblings, and the shared existence within a "circle, in a hoop that never ends" beautifully illustrate the concept that all elements of the environment are linked in a delicate balance.
The song's climax, asking if one can "paint with all the colors of the wind," serves as a metaphor for seeing and appreciating the world in its full complexity and beauty. It challenges the listener to expand their understanding and empathy towards other cultures and the natural world, moving beyond superficial judgments to embrace a deeper, more enriching perspective.
Ultimately, "Colors of the Wind" is a timeless anthem that advocates for environmental stewardship and cultural respect. It encourages a departure from anthropocentric and materialistic values towards a more inclusive and holistic view of our place in the world. By embracing the message of this song, the listener is invited to acknowledge the richness of diverse perspectives and the critical importance of living in harmony with the earth and each other.
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