I'm An Indian Too

Ethel Merman

About I'm An Indian Too

"I'm an Indian Too" is a song from the 1946 musical Annie Get Your Gun, by Irving Berlin. It was originally performed by Ethel Merman. It is sung by the main character Annie after Sitting Bull adopts her into the Sioux tribe. It is typical of mid-20th-century views of Native Americans, and is sometimes considered racist and demeaning from a contemporary perspective, although others see it as a mildly satirical attack on racial stereotyping. Native Americans did protest outside the New York theatre, as well as movie theaters, holding picket signs stating: "Don't See "Annie Get Your Gun". As a result of this reaction, many contemporary productions have omitted the song from their revivals, and the protests stopped. In 1979, the song was remixed and released as a dance track by disco artist Don Armando. Other singers to have recorded the song include Judy Garland and Betty Hutton. 


Year:
1966
89 
#2

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Like the Seminole, Navajo, Kickapoo
Like those Indians
I'm an Indian too
A Sioux
A Sioux
Just like Battle Axe, Hatchet Face, Eagle Nose
Like those Indians
I'm an Indian too
A Sioux
A Sioux
Some Indian summer's day
Without a sound
I may hide away
With Big Chief Hole-in-the-Ground
And I'll have totem poles, tomahawks, pipes of peace
Which will go to prove
I'm an Indian too
A Sioux
A Sioux
With my chief in his teepee
We'll raise an Indian family
And I'll be busy night and day

Looking like a flour sack
With two papooses on my back
And three papooses on the way
Like the Chippewa, Iroquois, Omaha
Like those Indians
I'm an Indian too
A Sioux
A Sioux
Just like Rising Moon, Falling Pants, Running Nose
Like those Indians
I'm an Indian too
A Sioux
A Sioux
Some Indian summer's day
Without a care
I may run away
With Big Chief Son-of-a-Bear
And I'll wear moccasins, wampum beads, feather hats
Which will go to prove
I'm an Indian too
A Sioux
A Sioux

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Ethel Merman

Ethel Merman (January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American actress and singer. Known primarily for her powerful voice and roles in musical theatre, she has been called "the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage." Among the many standards introduced by Merman in Broadway musicals are "I Got Rhythm", "Everything's Coming Up Roses", "Some People", "Rose's Turn", "I Get a Kick Out of You", "It's De-Lovely", "Friendship", "You're the Top", "Anything Goes", and "There's No Business Like Show Business", which later became her theme song. more »

4 fans

Written by: IRVING BERLIN

Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"I'm an Indian Too" is a song originally performed by actress and singer Ethel Merman. This song was featured in the 1946 musical "Annie Get Your Gun," where Merman starred as the lead character, Annie Oakley.
Composer Luminaries
This track was composed by two celebrated figures in American music, Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers. Berlin is known for his prolific songwriting skills, while Rodgers was a successful composer for over 50 Broadway musicals.
Role in the Musical
In "Annie Get Your Gun," "I'm an Indian Too" is sung by Annie Oakley as she playfully identifies with the Native Indian culture after her marriage to fellow sharpshooter Frank Butler.
Controversy Surrounding the Song
In recent years, the song has received criticism for its dated and stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans. Some modern productions of "Annie Get Your Gun" have chosen to cut the song from their performances due to its controversial nature.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "I'm an Indian Too" are playful and full of faux Native American language, which is seen today as highly insensitive and culturally ignorant.
Alterations to the Song
Following the controversy, the song was then rewritten for a 1999 revival of the musical, with new lyrics by Peter Stone that attempt to treat the Native American characters in a more respectful manner.
Ethel Merman's Performance
Merman's rendition of the song became a classic example of her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and her ability to deliver comedic lines with perfect timing.
Accolades for the Musical
"Annie Get Your Gun" won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1947, and Ethel Merman also bagged the Best Actress award for her performance in the same year.
Famous Covers
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Judy Garland, Bernadette Peters, and Betty Hutton. However, Merman's interpretation remains the most popular.
Availability in Recordings
"I'm an Indian Too," as well as the entire "Annie Get Your Gun" soundtrack, is available for streaming on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

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    "I'm An Indian Too Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/21200027/Ethel+Merman/I%27m+An+Indian+Too>.

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