Potlatch

POTLATCH
the nootka nation met captain cook. he didn't stay long, he sailed away. but many more, heard about our coast. and then the next time the white man stayed. the organized a colony. they traded here and there. they crushed spirits and tried to bury souls. the native traditions got smashed. the queen's tongue it ruled the land. they tried to kill their history. but a brave few just had to... chorus: refuse and resist, they kept the potlatch. they didn't quite. they got beaten, they got hanged. they just had to refuse and resist. there was a tradition on the coast. where the visitors were bestowed with gifts. a huge feast was held in their honour. they celebrated with dance and music. but the white man's church thought it was too pagan. and england's men thought it was too dangerous. the potlatch was just too vital. the potlatch was strong and free. but they kept it going in secret. but the police they figured that. but brave hearts they didn't collapse. they know they got, the got to... (chorus) they outlawed the potlatch. but just feast your mind. on those jailed and killed. they couldn't kill their spirit. (chorus)