☝️ Key Points
- The song uses 'Indians' metaphorically as a symbol of lost childhood innocence and ideals.
- The rhetorical question 'Where have all the Indians gone?' highlights the transition to adulthood and the loss of these ideals.
- It portrays the shift from childlike 'Indian' to adapted adult in modern life.
- However, there is hope that some still uphold these ideals, represented by the 'from the tribe of the Shoshones'.
- The song is both a nostalgic reflection on growing up and losing innocence, as well as an encouragement not to completely abandon these values and to fight for justice.
Interpretation
The song 'Indianer' by
Pur is a metaphorical reflection on lost innocence and the loss of ideals that are often present in childhood or youth. The 'indianer' are symbols here for those lost values and ideals that the band members had in their childhood, when they were still 'painted in colors and with a wild cry' and fought for justice.
The line 'Where have all the indianer gone?' is a rhetorical question that highlights the changes and growth, while also asking where the childlike dreams and ideals have gone. The mention of Chingachgook, the last of the Mohicans, is another symbol of standing up against injustice and the courage to do what is right even when standing alone.
The song also addresses the demands and temptations of modern life, as seen in the lines 'The 'little buffalo' now plays boss, He hit the jackpot with daddy's company. The 'smooth snake' sorts the mail, And in his free time, he mostly says 'Cheers''. These lines show how the former 'indianer' now work in conventional jobs and have adapted to the modern lifestyle.
However, the song keeps hope alive that some 'from the tribe of the Schoschonen' still exist and stand out through their actions and friendship. This shows the possibility that the ideals and values are not completely lost and are still upheld by some.
Overall, the song 'Indianer' by 'Pur' is a nostalgic reflection on growing up and the loss of childlike innocence and ideals, but also an encouragement to not completely forget those values and to continue fighting for justice and what is right.