CHIEF JOSEPH'S GOODBYE (I Will Fight No More Forever) song lyrics
by Joel Sattler

[Based on the words of Chief Joseph, last leader of the free Nez Perce]

the earth is the mother
of all people
all people have equal
rights upon it.

hear me my chiefs:
I am tired
my heart is sad
few words are required

to speak the truth
as in our youth
remembering the words
and broken promise heard

from where the sun now stands
I gave my last command
no more no more no never
I will fight no more
forever

I will fight no more forever
I will fight no more forever
the hurt and groans not ever
I hope not reach the ears
of the Great Chief Spirit up above
who answers to all fear
I will fight
no more
forever

I speak with a straight tongue
want only to be free
good words they will not give
my children back to me

and though all men are made
by the Spirit to be brothers
the sun has set on us
and there will not be another

you might as well expect
the rivers to run back
than to pen men in a cage
and forget their souls will crack

from where the sun now stands
I gave my last command
no more no more no never
I will fight no more
forever

I will fight no more forever
I will fight no more forever
the hurt and groans not ever
I hope not reach the ears
of the Great Chief Spirit up above
who answers to all fear
I will fight
no more
forever

perhaps if we had learned their ways
if we had opened up our hearts
but I am speaking from the grave
and our world's been torn apart

but I will fight
no more
forever

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