text
Arranged by Kyle Gann from historical sources
I am no chief.
I am a man. I see. I know.
I began to see when I was not yet born; when I was not in my mother's arms, but inside of my mother's belly.
It was there that I began to study about my people.
God gave me the power to see out of the womb.
The [Great Spirit] must have told me at that time that I would be the man to be the judge of all the other Indians - a big man, to decide for them in all their ways.
I speak. It is enough.
I never taught my people to trust Americans.
I have told them the truth - that the Americans are great liars.
I have never dealt with the Americans. Why should I?
The land belonged to my people.
Of course I will speak to you if you desire me to do so.
I suppose it is only such men as you desire to speak who must say something.
Do you recognize me?
Any man who desires to speak... shall talk for [the Indians].
Do you know who I am...?
...Sitting Bull.
[But] do you know who I am?
Slightly recumbent gentleman cow.
[But] do you know who I am?
I do not know any difference between you and the other Indians at this agency.
I am here by the will of the Great Spirit, and by his will I am a chief.
My heart is red and sweet, and I know it is sweet, because whatever passes near me puts out its tongue to me.
If a man is a chief, and has authority, he should be proud, and consider himself a great man.
And yet you men have come here to talk with us, and you do not know who I am.
If the Great Spirit has chosen any one to be the chief of this country it is myself.
You have conducted yourself like men who have been drinking whiskey, and I came here to give you some advice.
I have always been a chief, and have been made chief of all the land.
Thirty-two years ago I was present at the [Fort Rice] council with the white man....
Since then a great many questions have been asked me about it, and I always said, Wait.
Then the Black Hills council was held, and they asked me to give up that land, and I said... wait.
I remember well all the promises that were made about that land....
You white men advise us to follow your ways, and therefore I talk as I do.
When you have a piece of land, and anything trespasses on it, you catch and keep it until you get damages, and I am doing the same thing now.
And I want you to tell this to the Great Father for me.
I am looking into the future for the benefit of my children, and... I want my country taken care of for me.
My father has given me this nation,
In protecting them I have a hard time.
No chance for me to live, Mother,
You might as well mourn.
Indians! There are no Indians left but me.
Text copyright 1998 by Kyle Gann
See the tuning for Sitting Bull: "Do You Know Who I Am?"
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