From the recording Dr. Fox and Friends (mp3)
Inspired by fire, destruction and transformation and the primordial energy of the Sun (Dance). Flute and sun dance drum contributed by Alonso del Rio.
Lyrics
ANCIENT WAYS
Earth and water, fire and air
The old drum beats, and it calls us back to prayer
Earth and water, fire and air
The old drum beats, and it calls us back to prayer
'Cos on the tree of life we are the fruits that hang,
And we send our prayers back to this land, and the whispers on the wind
They speak of change; and return again, to the ancient ways.
Earth and water, fire and air
The old drum beats, and it calls us back to prayer
Blood and bone, skin and hair
The old drum beats, and it calls us back to prayer
'Cos on the tree of life we are the fruits that hang,
And we send our prayers back to this land, and the whispers on the wind,
They speak of change; and return again, to the ancient ways.
Earth and water, fire and air
The old drum beats, and it calls us back to prayer
'cos they teach our children to read and write
But to not know who they are or the value of their life
'Cos on the tree of life we are the fruits that hang,
And we send our prayers back to this land, and the whispers on the wind,
They speak of change; and return again, to the ancient ways.
Earth and water, fire and air
The old drum beats and it calls us back to prayer
Cedar, sweetgrass, tobacco, sage
Purify us for these coming days
‘Cos on the tree of life we are the fruits that hang,
And we send our blood back to this land, and the whispers on the wind, t
They speak of change; and return again, to the ancient ways.
I see fire on the mountain, fire on the horizon, fire in the hearts, fire in the houses
And the whispers on the wind they speak of change,
And return again, to the ancient ways
Ate wakantanka weya welo hey
Ate wakantanka unshi malayo
Oyate, oyate dani chi melo
Eya oye wayelo heyo
Earth and water, fire and air
The old drum beats, and it calls us back to prayer
'cos on the tree of life we are the fruits that hang and we send our prayers back to this land, and the whispers on the wind, they speak of change; and return again, to the ancient ways, and return again, to the ancient ways.