Buffalo Song

Buffalo Song is a Lakota Sioux song for calling in the buffalo (mashkode-bizhiki in Anishinaabemowin which literally means prairie cow). Buffalo are considered sacred and a central animal in many Indigenous cultures. Indigenous people are sometimes called Buffalo people. We can learn from the buffalo who, unlike cows, face a storm and walk through it, passing through it quicker than standing still or running in front of it. 

(Lead)   Way yah ha way lo way yah ha way [Slow drum beats]

(All)     Way yah ha way lo way yah ha way

             Way yah way yah way ha hey [Faster drum beats]

             Way yah way yah way yah way

             Way yah ha way lo way yah ha way

             Way yah ha way lo way yah ha way lo hey

Tȟatȟaŋka oyáte kin, háŋ    Yea, these people of The Buffalo Nation

Aké oyáte kin waníciyanpélo    Once again the people rely upon them

Hé-hé-hé-hé-hé                    Hay-hay-hay-hay-hay

Aŋpétu ki lé wakaŋ čhá        So this is a sacred day

Čhewóčheyélo, naȟma'on wó   I pray you hear me and come to me

Hé-hé-hé-hé-yo                    Hay-hay-hay-hay-yo

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