Ancient Ways (Misk'i Takiy)

Ancient Ways

Earth and water, fire and air,

and the old drum beats and it calls us back to prayer.

(2x)

[Chorus]

On the tree of life, we are the fruits that hang and we

send our prayers back to this land and the whispers,

on the wind they speak of change.

And return again to the ancient ways (2x)

Earth and water, fire and air,

and the old drum beats and it calls us back to prayer.

Blood and bone, skin and hair,

and the old drum beats and it calls us back to prayer.

(Chorus)

Earth and water, fire and air,

and the old drum beats and it calls us back to prayer.

'Cos they teach our children to read and write,

but not know who they are or the value of their life

(Chorus)

Earth and water, fire and air,

and the old drum beats and it calls us back to prayer.

Cedar, sweetgrass tobacco, sage,

purify us for these coming days.

(Chorus)

I see fire on the mountain, fire on the horizon,

fire in the hearts, fire in the houses

and the whispers on the winds they speak of change

And return again to the ancient ways (2x)

Ate wakantanka weya welo hey

ate wakantanka uni malayo oyate,

oyate dani chi melo

Eya oye wayelo oheyo

(2x)

Eya oye wayelo oheyo