Indian Sunset

Elton John

About Indian Sunset

"Indian Sunset" is a 1971 song, written and recorded by Elton John, with lyrics by his long-time songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. It was from John's album Madman Across the Water. The song chronicles the story of an unnamed American Indian warrior on the verge of defeat from the white man. Taupin was inspired to write the lyrics after visiting a Native American reservation. In 2004, the song was sampled in an Eminem-produced Tupac Shakur song entitled "Ghetto Gospel". The song contains numerous inaccuracies, most notably the line about Geronimo being shot by U. S soldiers. In reality, the Apache warrior died of pneumonia at the age of 79. John told Rolling Stone in 2011 that this is one of his favourites to play live: "I do 'Indian Sunset' with Ray Cooper. Nobody knows that song at all, it's an obscure track from Madman Across the Water, and it gets a standing ovation every night. It's a six-minute movie in a song." It's a story, it's not a protest song, which many people think it seems to be. 


Year:
1971
6:47
619 
#6

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

As I awoke this evening with the smell of wood smoke clinging
Like a gentle cobweb hanging upon a painted tepee
Oh I went to see my chieftain with my warlance and my woman
For he told us that the yellow moon would very soon be leaving
This I can't believe I said, I can't believe our warlord's dead
Oh he would not leave the chosen ones to the buzzards and the soldiers guns

Oh great father of the Iroquois ever since I was young
I've read the writing of the smoke and breast fed on the sound of drums
I've learned to hurl the tomahawk and ride a painted pony wild
To run the gauntlet of the Sioux, to make a chieftain's daughter mine

And now you ask that I should watch
The red man's race be slowly crushed
What kind of words are these to hear
From Yellow Dog whom white man fears

I take only what is mine Lord, my pony, my squaw, and my child
I can't stay to see you die, along with my tribe's pride
I go to search for the yellow moon and the fathers of our sons
Where the red sun sinks in the hills of gold and the healing waters run

Trampling down the prairie rose, leaving hoof tracks in the sand
Those who wish to follow me, I welcome with my hands
I heard from passing renegades Geronimo was dead
He'd been laying down his weapons when they filled him full of lead

Now there seems no reason why I should carry on
In this land that once was my land I can't find a home
It's lonely and it's quiet and the horse soldiers are coming
And I think it's time I strung my bow and ceased my senseless running
For soon I'll find the yellow moon along with my loved ones
Where the buffaloes graze in clover fields without the sound of guns

And the red sun sinks at last into the hills of gold
And peace to this young warrior comes with a bullet hole

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. more »

44 fans

Written by: BERNIE TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Artist
"Indian Sunset" is a song by the British singer-songwriter Sir Elton John.
Album
This track comes from his fourth studio album "Madman Across the Water," which was released in 1971.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Indian Sunset" were penned by Bernie Taupin, Elton John's long-time songwriting partner.
Lyrical Theme
The song tells the story of an American Indian tribe's plight and downfall, emphasizing the violence inflicted on them by the white settlers.
Extended Storytelling Song
One of the distinctive features of "Indian Sunset" is that it falls among Elton John's unusually long storytelling songs, with a runtime of about 6 minutes and 47 seconds.
Musical Composition
Unlike many of Elton John's other popular songs, "Indian Sunset" has a very minimal instrumental arrangement. The song is primarily carried by John's piano and vocals, with only limited use of percussion and bass guitar.
Theatrical Performances
This song is frequently used in Elton John’s concerts in a medley, while he tells a story. It has even been performed with a dramatic monologue introduction.
On Live Albums
"Indian Sunset" was included in Elton John’s 1987 live album “Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra”.
Ghetto Gospel
The song was sampled by rapper Tupac Shakur in his posthumously released song "Ghetto Gospel," which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in 2005.
Critical Reception
Despite not being a commercial hit, "Indian Sunset" has been appreciated for its cinematic narrative, vocal performances and unique musical arrangement. It is often considered among Elton John's most underrated songs.
Artist Information
The song "Indian Sunset" is by British musician Elton John. He is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, with over 300 million records sold.
Album Details
"Indian Sunset" is from the album, "Madman Across the Water", which was released in November 1971. This was Elton John's fourth studio album.
Song Composition
The lyrics of "Indian Sunset" are crafted by Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s long-time songwriting partner.
Song Story
"Indian Sunset" is about a Native American who has lost his land to invading forces. The song is beautiful and narrative, telling a powerful story.
Unique Musical Elements
"Indian Sunset" is characterized by its mix of piano and orchestral arrangements. It has a dynamic and dramatic melody that enhances the song's narrative.
Length and Structure
"Indian Sunset" is 6 minutes and 45 seconds long, which is longer than many popular songs. It does not follow a typical verse-chorus-verse structure but tells a story in a more linear narrative.
Critic Reviews
The song was met with generally positive reviews with critics praising its theatrics and the depth of its narrative. It is regarded as one of Elton John's most underrated songs.
Song Performance
During live performances, Elton John often played "Indian Sunset" solo, entirely on piano, without the assistance of his band.
Cover Versions
Rapper Tupac Shakur sampled lyrics from "Indian Sunset" in his song "Ghetto Gospel," which was released posthumously in 2004. This is one way how the song has been permanently etched in pop culture.
Social Implications
"Indian Sunset" is one of the songs that highlight the plight of the Native Americans. It serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of colonization.

Discuss the Indian Sunset Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Indian Sunset Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/325614/Elton+John/Indian+Sunset>.

    Missing lyrics by Elton John?

    Know any other songs by Elton John? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Indian Sunset

    323.4K
    2,221     90

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Ivy Adara's first single is called?
    A Rebels
    B Famous
    C Callgirl
    D Pleasure

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Elton John's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Elton John tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!