AS LONG AS THE GRASS SHALL GROW
Words and music by Peter La Farge
As recorded by Johnny Cash on "Bitter Tears" (Columbia CL-2248, 1964)

CHORUS: As long (as long) as the moon (as the moon) shall rise (as the moon shall rise),
As long (as long) as the rivers (as the rivers) flow (as the rivers flow),
As long as the sun will shine,
As long (as long) as the grass shall grow.

The Senecas are an Indian tribe of the Iroquois nation.
Down on the New York-Pennsylvania line, you'll find their reservation.
After the U.S. revolution, Cornplanter was the chief.
He told the tribe these men they could trust; that was his true belief.
He went down to Independence Hall and there a treaty signed
That promised peace with the U.S.A. and Indian rights combined.
George Washington gave his signature; the government gave its hand.
They said that now and forevermore that this was Indian land. CHORUS

On the Seneca Reservation, there is much sadness now.
Washington's treaty has been broken and there is no hope, nohow.
Across the Allegheny River, they're throwing up a dam.
It will flood the Indian country--a proud day for Uncle Sam.
It has broke the ancient treaty with a politician's grin
It will drown the Indian graveyards. Cornplanter, can you swim?
The earth is smothered to the Senecas; they're trampling sacred ground,
Changed the mint-green earth to black mudflats as honor hobbles down. CHORUS

The Iroquois Indians used to rule from Canada way south,
But no one fears the Indians now and smiles the liar's mouth.
The Senecas hired an expert to figure another site,
But the great good army engineers said that he had no right.
Although he showed them another plan and showed them another way,
They laughed in his face and said: "No deal; Kinzua Dam is here to stay."
Congress turned the Indians down, brushed off the Indians' plea,
So the Senecas have renamed the dam; they call it Lake Perfidy. CHORUS

Washington, Adams, and Kennedy now hear their pledges ring.
The treaties are safe; we'll keep our word, but what is that gurgling?
It's the backwater from Perfidy Lake; it's rising all the time
Over the homes and over the fields and over the promises signed.
No boats will sail on Lake Perfidy; in winter, it will fill.
In summer, it will be a swamp and all the fish will kill.
But the government of the U.S.A. has corrected George's vow.
The father of our country must be wrong; what's an Indian, anyhow?

CHORUS: As long (as long) as the moon (as the moon) shall rise (as the moon shall rise),
Look up!
As long (as long) as the rivers (as the rivers) flow (as the rivers flow),
Are you thirsty?
As long as the sun will shine,
My brother, are you warm?
As long (as long) as the grass shall grow.


Johnny Cash Studio Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwhlI5Rj0-U

Johnny Cash live performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQq0dw7rmtc

Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g98VnKORRpk

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