Buffalo soldier, dreadlocked rasta
There was a Buffalo Soldier in the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
I mean it, when I analyse the stench
To me it makes a lot of sense
How the dreadlocked rasta was a Buffalo Soldier
And he was taken from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Said it was a Buffalo Soldier, dreadlocked rasta
Buffalo Soldier in the heart of America
If you know your history
Then you would know where you’re coming from
Then you wouldn’t have to ask me
Who the heck do I think I am
I’m just a Buffalo Soldier in the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Said he was fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier, in the war for America
Said he, woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy!
Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy!
Buffalo Soldier troddin’ through the land, wo-ho-ooh!
Said he wanna ran and then you want a hand
Troddin’ through the land, yea-hea, yea-ea
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier in the war for America
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlocked rasta
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Driven from the mainland to the heart of the Caribbean
Said he, woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy!
Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy!
Trodding through San Juan
In the arms of America
Trodding through Jamaica, a Buffalo Soldier
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock rasta
Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy!
The Legacy of the Buffalo Soldier
“Buffalo Soldier” by Bob Marley is a powerful anthem that delves into the history of African soldiers forced into fighting for America after being taken from their homeland. Marley uses the image of the Buffalo Soldier—a term given to Black cavalrymen in the American West—to draw parallels between their struggle and the broader experience of the African diaspora. The recurring phrase “fighting on arrival, fighting for survival” encapsulates the relentless resilience and resistance of those who faced adversity simply for being who they were. Marley’s lyrics not only pay tribute to the courage of these fighters but also serve as a reminder to know and honor one’s roots, making the song both a historical reflection and a call for self-awareness.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Bob Marley, Noel G. Williams
- Release Year: 1983
- Label: Tuff Gong