☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics tell the story of an Indian child being taken to a state school to be educated according to the rules of white men.
- The existence of Indian drums beyond the mountains symbolizes Indian culture and spirituality, which remain strong despite the white men's attempts at assimilation.
- Johnny Cash criticizes the attempts to change the child by cutting his hair and trying to make him 'white'.
- The lyrics mention well-known Indian personalities, who are either deceased or still alive, but continue to live on in the memory and pride of the Indians.
- Overall, it is about the strength of Indian culture and resistance against the assimilation of white men, as well as a criticism of the oppression and exploitation of Indians.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song 'Drums' by
Johnny Cash tell the story of an Indian child who is taken to a state school to be educated according to the rules of white men. The child quickly feels humiliated and learns to be ashamed of himself. Despite having an Indian name, he is called Billy.
The lyrics describe the existence of Indian drums beyond the mountain, which cannot be heard. These drums symbolize Indian culture and spirituality, which remain strong despite the assimilation attempts by whites. The drums are getting closer, indicating that Indian culture cannot be erased.
Johnny Cash criticizes the attempts to change the child by cutting his hair and trying to make him 'white'. He poses the question of whether the child will be considered white or Indian. He points out that in 500 years of struggle, no Indian has become 'white'.
The lyrics also mention well-known Indian figures such as Long Pine, Sequoia, Handsome Lake, Sitting Bull, Magnus Colorado, Crazy Horse, and Geronimo. Some of them have passed away and others are still alive, but they continue to live on in the memory and pride of Indians.
Johnny Cash emphasizes that Indians taught whites the history of this country, but they were still deceived and cursed. Nevertheless, they have maintained their pride, while whites should be ashamed of what they have done to Indians.
Overall, this song is about the strength of Indian culture and the resistance to assimilation by whites. It is a critique of the oppression and exploitation of Indians by whites, and a call to the pride and dignity of the Indian community.