This song was first released on the poems, prayers and promises album. it is the only album it has been released on.
I, I was a red man
I was proud, I was strong
You were the white man
And you stole away my home
Now I am a wooden indian
Painted dreams inside my head
Times a where you bring me down
And make you wish I was dead
Na na na
I, I was a red man
In my passing made no sound
You were the white man
And you drove me in the ground
Now I am a wooden indian
Standing silent in the rain
Swear with my grandfather’s father
We’re going to rise again
Na na na
I, I was a red man
I was proud, I was strong
You were the white man
And you stole away my home
Now I am a wooden indian
Standing silent in the rain
Swear with my grandfather’s father
We’re going to rise again
Words and music by john denver