THE CHIEFTAIN'S DAUGHTER aka CHIEF BRIGHT SKY
(Traditional - USA)

George Vinton Graham - 1938


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 casting of lots 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 not, 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 off to shore

A coffin, 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 a moonbeam was sparkling 
To gather her in its bright beam
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


(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - June 2004)


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Slightly different traditional version with extra verses.
Kindly contributed by Hazel Studdard - May 2005


In Autumn when evening was spreading
Her pinions of shawdows o'er all
The Indians, in numbers, came treading
All nearing Niagara Falls

The love of tradition had taught them
That one of their number each year
Must come and by lots be chosen
To go over the falls without fear

The chieftian had only one daughter
He loved her as loved he his life
Possessing the braveness he taught her
She feared naught though costing her life

They thought that surely the chieftian
Would have them cast lots o'er once more
But nothing unfair would he ask them
So, turning she walked down the shore

A coffin, a canoe and a paddle
Stood ready for her to step in
Long farewell to pony and saddle
Long farewell to forest and kin

Just as the moonbeams was sparkling
To gather her in its bright beams
She Stepped in her boat lightly
And silently rowed down the stream

Now out from the banks of the river
A boat was seen skimming the tide
See how he loves his daughter
The cheiftain now rides by her side.

On, onward, still nearing the thunder
Rides daughter and Chieftain Bright Sky
Oh, look now, I see they've gone under
Down where the fury rage wild

A shout from the bank of the river
Broke forth in a pityful cry
From a Mother that made all hearts quiver
For daughter and Chieftain Bright Sky

Is the faith of a daughter more stronger
In the race of the white man today?
Or the love of a father more tender that Bright Sky?
The Chieftain obeyed!


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