From the recording Saturn Song

Neal Dimick - guitars, vocal

In 1975. I was back in college, and was following the standoff at Wounded Knee. That was when I first heard the story of Anna Mae Aguash. It stuck with me. I heard Larry Long's song about her many years later. I felt that there was more to say, Finally, in 1993, I wrote this.

Lyrics

1. Ten days after the Lover's Feast, north of Wanblee, a little east
where she'd lain for a week, at least
they found Anna Mae
Warrior woman of MicMac blood, laying face down in the frozen mud
So those who'd stand as she had stood
could see the price she paid

Hai-aiee-ay Ay

2. Anna Mae had risen to defend
Her native ways, her native land
Against the array of callous, greedy hands
Gathered against them

But her lips are sealed, her hands are tied
Her ships have sailed with the tide
Feds can't say just how she died
Her injuries . . . escape them

Hai-aiee-ay Ay

3. With every step, another twist
Trophies taken, at the wrist
With Indians, there's little risk
Of public indignation

So who told her children "Mommy's gone"?
Hands sent off to Washington
On the tortured track they'll run
It's just another station

Hai-aiee-ay Ay

4. It was long ago, the story's old
Her butchered corpse has long grown cold
It's so easy to forget, and hold
Our piece of what's been taken

Land for ore, land for dams
Poison pits and nuclear scams
Our pockets full, we wash our hands
And plan our next vacation

Hai-aiee-ay Ay

5. I'm a white child's father, a white man's son
What care I for these other ones
When promises kept, and justice done
Lay far beyond my reaching

But for my father, for my child
For their honor, by these things defiled
I must end the silence, end denial
For me, it begins with grieving

Hai-aiee-ay Ay
Hai-aiee-ay Ay