Translate?

January 5, 2008 9:38 PM

Please help me translate this wonderful american indian song into english...

You can hear it at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_EVVXp0_4&feature=PlayList&p=6BFCAF837C81AE1A&index=12

I have several versions of it, but can you tell me what they are talking about!?

posted by revbrian to human relations (2 comments total)

No English lyrics, but:

"This chant is part of the Enemy Way Chant or called in the Navajo language Ndaa'. It is a healing song sung to cleanse and heal Navajos, often warriors who have come in contact with ghosts. Navajo veterans of the United States Armed Forces use this ceremony to purify themselves after returning from the service. The title which is appropriate, as mentioned is sung to cleanse and heal warriors, now often a family or loved one and to simply wish them happiness and prosperity."
posted by goo at 2:43 AM on January 6

My father is an intertribal singer, but normally nobody bothers with translations, just general meanings of what songs are intended for. I'll run it by him to see if he knows anything. And fyi for Youtube links: you only need up until the first ampersand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_EVVXp0_4
posted by vanoakenfold at 9:26 PM on January 6