Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Red River” by William Bonney
‘Red River’ by William Bonney is a song inspired by the plight of Native Americans. In the song, Bonney paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous times experienced by Native Americans under the hands of the US government. He reflects on the chaos and tragedy that faced the Native American tribes and how their culture was slowly but surely being erased.
Bonney takes on the role of a storyteller, describing each scene as if he is news reporting on the events. He paints a vivid portrait of bloodshed, violence, and grief as native tribes were forced out of their homelands, and entire societies decimated by the United States. He pays tribute to those Native Americans whose lives were lost in tragic circumstances and who had no choice but to live in exile and fight for their rights.
To add a personal touch to the song, Bonney recounts a brief desert journey with his Native American companion; a journey filled with yearning and sadness. The river is used as a metaphor for this enduring suffering, and for the symbolic letting go of hope for a better future. As the chorus repeats his companion’s story, Bonney makes a plea for everyone to look beyond the atrocities of the past and to learn from them. He encourages us to keep the stories of the Red River alive and to recognize the bravery and perseverance of the Native American people in the face of injustice.
In ‘Red River’ William Bonney expresses empathy and compassion for our Native American brothers and sisters and gives them a platform to be heard. He shows us through his song that no matter how much sorrow and tragedy there is, the strength of Native Americans will never be forgotten.