20 Best Songs About Indians

Nina Hampson

There are many great songs that have been written about Indians. Whether it be the struggles of our people or our rich culture, these songs capture the essence of being Indian in America. Here are 20 of the best songs about Indians, in no particular order.


Mr. Custer – Larry Verne

Larry Verne’s 1960 novelty song “Mr. Custer” tells the story of a fictional Battle of the Little Bighorn from the perspective of the Native Americans. The song imagines what might have happened if General George Armstrong Custer had been killed by Sitting Bull instead of Crazy Horse. Verne’s lyrics are full of colorful details about life on the plains, and the song became a surprise hit, reaching number six on the Billboard charts. In spite of its lighthearted tone, “Mr. Custer” provides a unique perspective on one of the most important battles in American history.

Native Son – Bryan Adams

Native Son - Bryan Adams / Keith Scott - Solo and Chords

The song “Native Son” by Bryan Adams is a ballad about the plight of Native Americans. Throughout the song, Adams paints a picture of a people who have been displaced and discriminated against. He talks about how the Native Americans were forced to relocate to reservations, and how they were treated like second-class citizens. Adams also discusses the problems that Native Americans face today, such as poverty and alcoholism.

New World – Robert Plant

Robert Plant - New World (Live)

New World is a song written by Robert Plant, lead singer of the rock band Led Zeppelin. The song is about the Native Americans and their culture. In the lyrics, Plant refers to the Native American’s way of life and their relation to the natural world around them. He also discusses the problems that the Native Americans have faced since the arrival of Europeans in North America. Plant includes references to several historical events, such as the Trail of Tears and the Battle of Little Bighorn. New World is an important song because it brings attention to the plight of the Native Americans and their culture.

Noc-A-Homa – Black Lips

Noc-A-Homa by Black Lips is a song about Indians. The lyrics tell the story of a group of Indians who are living in the forest. They have no food, and they are very hungry. One day, a deer walks into their camp, and they kill it and eat it. After that, they start to feel better, and they decide to build a fire. They dance around the fire, and they sing their war cries. When the sun rises, they go back to their homes in the forest. This song is very popular among Indians, and it is often played at powwows. It is a reminder of their heritage and their culture.

Now That The Buffalo’s Gone – Buffy Sainte-Marie

Now That The Buffalo's Gone

Now That The Buffalo’s Gone is a song written by Buffy Sainte-Marie and originally recorded by her in 1964. The song is a somber ballad that tells the story of the decline of the American buffalo and the impact that this had on the Native American people who depended on them for their livelihood. While the Buffalo were once ubiquitous across the plains of North America, overhunting and habitat loss led to their dramatic decline in the 19th century.

Pocahontas – Neil Young

Pocahontas (2016 Remaster)

Neil Young’s “Pocahontas” is a song about the mistreatment of Native Americans by the American government. The lyrics tell the story of how the government forced the Native Americans to move west, away from their homes and into unfamiliar territory. The song also describes how the government neglected the needs of the Native Americans, leaving them to starve and freeze to death. “Pocahontas” is a powerful song that highlights the injustice faced by Native Americans throughout history. Neil Young’s poignant lyrics and haunting melody help to bring this dark chapter of American history to light.

Routes – Lamb Of God

Lamb of God - Routes (Official Visualizer) ft. Chuck Billy

Routes is a song by American metal band Lamb of God, from their album Resolution. The song is one of the band’s most popular, and is known for its hard-hitting riff and aggressive vocals. The lyrics to Routes are based on the experiences of Native Americans, and the song has been interpreted as a call to action against discrimination and injustice. Many fans have praised the song for its powerful message, and it remains one of the band’s most popular tracks.

Run To The Hills – Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills (Official Video)

“Run to the Hills” is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It was released as their sixth single and the first from their 1982 album, The Number of the Beast. The song is one of Maiden’s most successful singles, reaching number three in the UK Singles Chart and topping the Billboard Top Tracks chart for six weeks. It has been covered by a number of artists and has been used in various films and television shows.

The song was written by Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s bassist and primary songwriter. He based the song on the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, in which Sioux warriors led by chiefs Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse defeated George Armstrong Custer and his US Cavalry troops. Harris has said that he wanted to write a song that would make people think about the injustices suffered by Native Americans at the hands of European settlers.

Running Bear – Johnny Preston

Running Bear (Remastered)

Johnny Preston’s “Running Bear” is a ballad about a romance between a Native American man and woman. The song tells the story of two young lovers who are forced to part ways when the woman’s tribe decides to move west. The man, Bear, tries to follow his love, but he is slowed down by the heavy snowfall. Ultimately, he is unsuccessful in his attempt to reach her, and the two lovers are forced to spend the rest of their lives apart. Despite its tragic subject matter, “Running Bear” is a beautiful and romantic song that has stood the test of time. It remains one of Preston’s most popular songs, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

San Jacinto – Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel’s “San Jacinto” is a song about the history and plight of the Native American people. Gabriel was inspired to write the song after reading a book about the Apache chief Geronimo. The lyrics tell the story of the Apache people, from their early days in the Southwest to their forced relocation to reservations. Gabriel paints a picture of proud and noble people who have been mistreated and misunderstood by the government and society at large. “San Jacinto” is both a tribute to the Apache people and a plea for understanding and respect. As Gabriel sings, “Let us live in peace/ let us try to understand/ there’s a lot of people asking for your love.”

Scarlet’s Walk – Tori Amos

“Scarlet’s Walk” is a song by the American singer-songwriter Tori Amos. The song was released as the lead single from her 2002 album Scarlet’s Walk. “Scarlet’s Walk” is a song about Native Americans and their history of mistreatment by the United States government. Amos has said that the song is about “rediscovering America” and “reclaiming her own history.” The song was well-received by music critics, who praised its lyrics and Amos’s vocals. “Scarlet’s Walk” peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Amos’s highest-charting single in the United States.

Seminole Wind – John Anderson

Seminole Wind is a song written by John Anderson and recorded by several artists. The song is about the Seminole tribe of Native Americans who once lived in Florida. The lyrics describe the tribe’s history and culture, as well as their struggles against European settlers. Seminole Wind was a popular song in the 1990s, and it helped to raise awareness of the Seminole people. Today, the song is still popular among both Native and non-Native Americans. It is seen as a symbol of pride for the Seminole tribe and a reminder of their culture and history.

Shenandoah – Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen - Shenandoah (The Seeger Sessions)

Shenandoah is a ballad by Bruce Springsteen that tells the story of a Native American man who has been displaced from his home. The song is set during the time of the American Indian Wars, and it paints a picture of the hardships that Native Americans faced during this time. The lyrics tell of a man who is forced to leave his family and friends behind, and who is constantly searching for a place to call home.

Soldier Blue – Buffy Sainte-Marie

Soldier Blue is a song written by Buffy Sainte-Marie and originally recorded by her in 1970. The song is a protest against the treatment of Native Americans by the United States government. soldier blue song tells the story of the massacre of Chief Dull Knife’s tribe, as well as the subsequent capture and execution of the leader. The song also criticizes the US government’s policy of forcing Native Americans to move to reservations. In 1971, the song was featured in the film “Soldier Blue”, which starred Buffalo Bill Cody. 

Sunrise – Grateful Dead

Sunrise (2014 Remaster)

The song “Sunrise” by Grateful Dead is a traditional Native American ballad that tells the story of a young man who leaves his tribe to go on a journey. The song reflects the Native American belief that everything in the universe is connected, and that we are all part of a great cycle of life. The young man in the song is seeking to understand his place in the world, and his journey takes him to the four corners of the earth. Along the way, he meets many different people and learns about their cultures.

The Last Resort – Eagles

The Last Resort (2013 Remaster)

The Last Resort by Eagles is a song about Indians. The song was released in 1976 on the album Hotel California. The song is about the displacement of Native Americans and the loss of their culture. The lyrics describe the Native Americans as a proud and noble people who have been forced to live in reservations. The song also describes the beauty of the Native American culture and how it has been destroyed by the white man. The Last Resort is a sad song that reflects the Eagles’ concern for the fate of the Native American people.

The Lone Ranger – Quantum Jump

The Lone Ranger [2014 Remaster]

“The Lone Ranger” is a song by British pop group Quantum Jump. The song was released in 1979 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. Written by band members Rupert Hine and Steve Elliott, the song is about a Native American man who is the last of his tribe. He is forced to flee his home when the government launches an attack on his people. The Lone Ranger eventually makes his way to the city, where he struggles to adjust to life in the modern world. Despite its somber subject matter, “The Lone Ranger” is an upbeat and catchy tune that topped the charts in several countries. The song remains a popular favorite among fans of Quantum Jump.

The Spirit Of The Hawk – Rednex

Rednex - Spirit Of The Hawk (Official Music Video) [HD] - RednexMusic com

The Spirit of the Hawk is a song by Swedish band Rednex that was released in 1995. The song is based on a Native American melody, and its lyrics tell the story of a young Indian warrior who is called upon to save his tribe from a group of attacking soldiers. The warrior sets out on horseback and, aided by the spirit of the hawk, manages to defeat the enemy. The song became a global hit, reaching number one in several countries, and its success helped to raise awareness of Native American culture. Today, it remains an iconic song among fans of dance music and is widely considered to be one of the best tracks by Rednex.

Wild Way – Tori Amos

Wild Way by Tori Amos is a song about Indians. The lyrics tell the story of a young Native American woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. The song explores the themes of identity, belonging, and cultural displacement. Amos’s powerful vocals and emotionally-charged lyrics make Wild Way an instant classic. The song speaks to the experiences of many Native Americans who have been forced to assimilate into white culture. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage and celebrating our diversity.

Wolf & I – Oh Land

Oh Land - Wolf & I (Live)

Wolf & I is a song by Oh Land that tells the story of a young Native American woman who is forced to leave her home and travel west. The song highlights the contrast between the life she left behind and the new life she is facing, and how she is struggling to adapt to her new surroundings. Despite the hardships she faces, the woman remains hopeful and determined to make a new life for herself. The song is both sad and inspiring, and it provides a unique perspective on the history of Native Americans in the United States.