The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
We all see black and white
When it comes to someone else's fight
No one ever gets involved
Apathy can never solve
Forced out-brave and mighty
Stolen land-they can't fight it
Hold on-to pride and tradition
Even though they know how much their lives are really missin'
We're dissin' them
On reservations
A hopeless situation
Respect is something that you earn
Our Indian brothers' getting burned
Original American
Turned into second class citizen
Cry for the Indians
Die for the Indians
Cry for the Indians
Cry, cry, cry for the Indians
Love the land and fellow man
Peace is what we strive to have
Some folks have none of this
Hatred and prejudice
When it comes to someone else's fight
No one ever gets involved
Apathy can never solve
Forced out-brave and mighty
Stolen land-they can't fight it
Hold on-to pride and tradition
Even though they know how much their lives are really missin'
We're dissin' them
On reservations
A hopeless situation
Respect is something that you earn
Our Indian brothers' getting burned
Original American
Turned into second class citizen
Cry for the Indians
Die for the Indians
Cry for the Indians
Cry, cry, cry for the Indians
Love the land and fellow man
Peace is what we strive to have
Some folks have none of this
Hatred and prejudice
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
Indians Lyrics as written by Daniel Alan Spitz Charlie L. Benante
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think this song means that the Native Americans went though all sorts of crap and even though they are treated like second class citizens, they are still proud and hold on to their tradtions.
This song is great, especially the whole WARDANCE part, however, and Anthrax is one of the first band's I ever started listening to as a kid, these albums were coming out, when I was coming of age, I still love 'em (except post-belladona lost me, not that I loved Joey, their overall sound just totally changed); but Anthrax going for social concious lyrics always lost me and I even find somewhat benign, I try to purge it out of my brain; Belldonna, Ian, Benante, Bello, Spitz are no Bob Dylan (or should they be).
This song is pretty self explanatory. It's about how the Native Americans got screwed. The album version is pretty good, but lemme tell ya. Somethin' gets lost in the translation. Anthrax is sooo good live!!!! And their new singer, Dan Nelson, just adds a new edge and a heavier feeling to all their songs. He's like a heavier version of old school James Hetfield. Gotta respect his voice... You guys who have listened to Anthrax forever probably don't like it, but I just got into them when I saw them in concert. And i really dig it!!!!!!
Always wondered if this song had anything to do with Chuck Billy of Testament (who is a Native American). Chuck has written several songs about the plight of Native Americans. Maybe getting some props from fellow thrashers Anthrax back in the day?
This song is awesome
Indians were the owner of this then everybody else came and stole it from them and treat them as scum. Yeah. Sucks for them lol