Solomon Ratt’s translation of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Starwalker began as quite a literal translation, but the driving rhythm of this tune demanded a lot fewer syllables. This is where Sol’s backup “Rhythm Ratts” stepped up, helping to hone the translation, and steady the tempo to make the translation truly singable.
Sol finally recorded unaccompanied on a spring walk from Regina’s A.E. Wilson Park to Boreal Island, From the reaction of the geese and ducks who were his audience, it seems Starwalker may be a friend of theirs too!
Thanks to Buffy Sainte-Marie for permission to work with her songs in Cree!
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| atâhk-ohtêw (Plains Cree translation, Solomon Ratt) | Starwalker: Original lyrics, Buffy Sainte-Marie |
|---|---|
| atâhk-ohtêw nitôtêm ana takahkinâkosiw kâh-kapê tâpwêw, atâhk-ohtêw môya minihkwêw ay way hey wa heya | Starwalker he's a friend of mine You've seen him looking fine He's a straight talker, he's a Starwalker Don't drink no wine Ayy way hey, oh hey-ya |
| mahihkana kâ-têhtapit kitôtêm yohtênam iskwâhtêma pa-pê-kwêsk-âcimow, miyâhkasikêw okihcihtâwiw ay way hey wa heya | Wolf Rider she's a friend of your's You've seen her opening doors She's a history turner, she's a sweet grass burner And a dog soldier Ayy hey way, hey way hey-ya |
| kihci-wâsitêw nâkatohkê mawimoscikê-nikamo omiyohtwâw ahcahk nanâtawih âhkamihtâ ay way hey wa heya | Holy light, guard the night Pray up your medicine song, oh Stake dealer you're a, a spirit healer Keep going on, hey, hey, oh, hey, oh, hey, oh |
| wâwâsaskotêpayiw-iskwêw, piyêsiw-awâsis atâhk-okihcihtâwak kahk(i)yaw nahîk! kinokâpawik! | Lightning woman, thunder child Star soldiers one and all oh Sisters, brothers all together Aim straight, Stand tall |
| ayo ha ha heyo ha ha heyo ay hey hey heyo aay way hey wa heyo heyo way yaaa | |
| atâhk-ohtêw nitôtêm ana takahkinâkosiw kâh-kapê tâpwêw, atâhk-ohtêw môya minihkwêw ay way hey wa heya | Starwalker he's a friend of mine You've seen him looking fine He's a, a straight talker, he's a, a star walker Don't drink no wine, hey, hey, oh, hey, oh, hey, oh |
| ayo ha ha heyo ha ha heyo ay hey hey heyo way way hey wa heyo heyo way yaaa |
