Story Behind The Song

Shadowyze and I discussed the continuing use of Indian names and logos by sports teams used in a disrespectful manner. We agreed I would write the song and he would perform it. The late Russell Means (Activist/Actor) offers spoken comments during the song.

Song Description

Stop using the R word to promote your sports teams and start showing respect for American Indians and their children.

Lyrics

SAY NO TO THE "R" WORD
(Revised)
© 2013 by Blue Wood Films LLC, Oliver W. Tuthill Jr. AKA William Running His Horses
Spoken Words by Russell Means

Spoken Words
I'm afraid White America is incapable of understanding
1st Chorus
Just say no to the R word - Indian people will not be demeaned
Just say no to the R word - Indian people ain't faces for teams
Just say no to the R word - It is racist on a national scale
Just say no to the R word - Indian people will fight to prevail
2nd Chorus - Singing
Just say no to the R word - We're saying no
Just say no to the R word - Logos oppress
Just say no to the R word - We're saying no.
Just say no to the R word - Mascots oppress
Verse
Indian eyes are watching TV - Watching oppression as a rolling sea
Looking at a logo of an ugly face - An calling it Indian is such a disgrace
Yelling and chanting - Stomping your feet
Playing your ballgames and calling us Chiefs
Step in our shoes and try and take a spin
Being subjected to ridiculing sin
Feeling the blackness of deep despair from the great father who doesn't really care
Verse
Indian people in a growing rage - Demanding justice in a modern age
Just because our violence will never equal yours
Fairness and compassion is something you ignore
Shame on the wealthy for failing to lead - Passion for money and material greed
Refusing to adapt to a positive change - No future in exploiting all the Indian names
2nd Chorus - Singing
Just say no to the R word - We're saying no
Just say no to the R word - Logos oppress
Just say no to the R word - We're saying no
Just say no to the R word - Mascots oppress
1st Chorus
Just say no to the R word - Red painted white people yelling at games
Just say no to the R word - Insulting images depicting us lame
Just say no to the R word - Pop culture shows no respect
Just say no to the R word - Indian people enduring neglect
Bridge
We're not redskins - We're Human Beings
We're not brownskins - We're Human Beings
We're not mascots - We're Human Beings
We're not sportsnames - We're Human Beings
We're not trademarks - We're Human Beings
We're not logos - We're Human Beings
We're not brand names - We're Human Beings
We're not cartoons - We're Human Beings
Verse
Images and hauntings of hurting ways - Violated skirmishes of better days
Wearing a logo of a hideous face - Have the guts to stand tall in my place
Cultural rape is what it's all about
Abusing native people for profit and clout
Insulting our children so you can make cash
Who we really are just walked on like grass
Verse
Lawsuits and lawyers are the steady hand
To answer the insults of greedy plans
Very ugly symbols and designs of pain
Insensitive behavior is an international shame
Verse
Chief Seattle tall but his eyes are weeping
Red Cloud lifts his heavy brows to all
Hiawtha moves to the great five nations
Black Elk's vision will guide us all
Sitting Bull stands while he seeks a vision
Little Crow signals it is time to stall
Blackhorse moves into steady action
Transgressors answer to the word of law
Spoken Words
If your culture is one of greed, and greed is good - it's what we call the heyoka way of life. It's the backwards way to live, and that's what Americans have chosen.


2nd Chorus - Singing
Just say no to the R word - We're saying no.
Just say no to the R word - Mascots oppress.
1st Chorus
Just say no to the R word - Red painted white people yelling at games
Just say no to the R word - Insulting images depicting us lame
Just say no to the R word - Pop culture shows no respect
Just say no to the R word - Indian people enduring neglect
Just say no to the R word... We're saying no, we're saying no
Just say no to the R word... We're saying no, we're saying no
Just say no to the R word... We're saying no, we're saying no
Just say no to the R word... We're saying no, we're saying no
Just say no to the R word... We're saying no, we're saying no
Shadowyze - Just say no to the R word
Just say no to the R word... We're saying no, we're saying no
Just say no to the R word... We're saying no, we're saying no

Spoken Words
You know, we've always told the white man, we want a cultural leave us alone policy. Just leave us alone.