The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #24971   Message #803311
Posted By: Jim Dixon
15-Oct-02 - 02:02 AM
Thread Name: ADD: Chief Bright Sky / The Chief's Daughter
Subject: Lyr Add: CHIEF BRIGHT SKY
The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music has a song called "The Chieftain's Daughter," but it seems to be about Pocahontas and John Smith.

The Library of Congress has a field recording in 3 formats (MP3, RAM, or WAV) and this transcription:

CHIEF BRIGHT SKY

In autumn when evening was spreading her pinions of darkness o'er all,
In numbers the Indians came treading, approaching Niagara Falls.

For the love of tradition had taught them that one of their tribe every year,
At the cast of lot should be chosen to pass down the falls without fear.

The chieftain had only one daughter. He loved her as loved he his life.
Possessing the braveness he taught her, she fears naught though costing her life.

They thought that the chieftain would surely have them to cast lots o'er once more;
But nothing unfair did he claim her. She left them and marched up to shore.

A coffin, a canoe and a paddle lie waiting for her to step in.
Long farewell to pony and saddle, long farewell to forest and kin.

And just as the moonbeams was sparkling to gather her in its bright beams,
She quickly pushed out her boat light, and silently rowed down the stream.

Now out from the banks of the river, a boat was seen skimming the tide.
Oh, see how he loves his daughter. He takes of his place by her side.

But one weeps alone in the moonlight. On the night comes a pitying cry
From a mother who makes her heart quiver for daughter and Chieftain Bright Sky.

[Sidney Robertson Cowell, collector
George Vinton Graham, singer
Recorded at San Jose, California
December 7, 1938]