Grandfather Look At Me

Album: not on an album (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song in the Lakhóta language was written by Howard Bad Hand of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and is better known than most Native American songs because in November 2014, a small group of activists used it to interrupt the proceedings of the United States Senate after voting on the Keystone XL Pipeline Bill.

    Greg Grey Cloud of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe was one of those arrested; he explained afterwards (quoted verbatim):

    "All of us want to make it clear that this honor song was not a political stunt," adding "This was an opportunity to honor the hard work and courage shown by the Senators who voted against the tarsands pipeline, Tribal leaders, front line pipe line fighters and especially the courage, direction and support of our grandmothers."

    The song translates as:

    Grandfather look at me
    I am standing here struggling
    I am defending Grandmother Earth
    And I am chasing peace

    >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.