Sitting Bull's Medicine Song
Sung by Courtney Yellowfat
Song No. 92
Densmore recording sung by Tȟatȟáŋka Waŋžíla (One Buffalo)
“This song is referring to the different stages of life,” explains Kevin Locke. “It is related to the buffalo also. So remember, the buffalo is really the foundation of the livelihood, the wellbeing of the people. The one that sang this, it could be like a voice from beyond sang this to Sitting Bull or whoever it is. This could be a personal song from Sitting Bull who could sing that for somebody and convey that benediction to that person.”
From Teton Sioux Music by Frances Densmore: “This song was used by Sitting Bull in treating the sick.”
Lyrics
Tópakiya kȟolá niwákȟaŋ nuŋwé
Tópakiya kȟolá niwákȟaŋ nuŋwé
Tópakiya kȟolá niwákȟaŋ nuŋwé
“Tuwéni wakȟáŋ šni yeló,” ehé č’uŋ
Tópakiya kȟolá niwákȟaŋ nuŋwé
Tópakiya kȟolá niwákȟaŋ nuŋwé
In four places friend
May you be sacred
No one is sacred
You said
In four places friend
May you be sacred
