Great Spirit (feat. Hilight Tribe)

Armin Van Buuren's 'Great Spirit,' featuring Hilight Tribe, is a song that merges electronic dance music with indigenous chanting, creating a powerful and evocative track. The lyrics are not in English but are instead a series of phrases in Lakota, a Native American language. The phrases 'Wakan tanka' and 'Wiyan wakan' refer to the 'Great Spirit' and 'sacred woman,' respectively, which are central to many Native American belief systems. The repetition of these phrases, along with others like 'oyate' meaning 'people' or 'nation,' suggests a call to unity and a reverence for the spiritual forces that connect all of humanity.

The song's structure, with its building beats and the hypnotic repetition of the Lakota phrases, creates an atmosphere of a ritual or ceremony. This is further emphasized by the inclusion of traditional chanting by Hilight Tribe, which adds authenticity and depth to the track. The song can be seen as a bridge between modern electronic music and ancient spiritual traditions, inviting listeners to experience a sense of community and shared humanity through the universal language of music.

The cultural significance of 'Great Spirit' lies in its ability to transcend language barriers and cultural differences, promoting a message of respect for indigenous cultures and their spiritual practices. By blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds, Armin Van Buuren and Hilight Tribe create a space where the past and present coexist, encouraging listeners to acknowledge and celebrate the spiritual connections that bind us all together.