Native Son

Bryan Adams' song 'Native Son' is a poignant reflection on the displacement and suffering of Indigenous peoples. Through the eyes of an elder, the lyrics recount the transformation of their homeland, once untouched and vast, now overtaken by the 'white man.' The elder's wrinkled eyes symbolize the passage of time and the wisdom gained through years of hardship. The song mourns the loss of a way of life, where the rivers once ran free and the land was theirs 'as far as the eagle flies.'

The song vividly describes the brutal displacement of Indigenous communities, likening their forced removal to dogs being driven away. The imagery of 'streets of broken glass' and people vanishing 'as snow before the summer sun' underscores the violence and erasure they faced. Despite the passage of time, the wounds remain fresh, and the elder's words convey a deep-seated anger and a call for resilience. The refrain 'My native son' serves as a rallying cry, urging the younger generation to hold their heads high and stay true to their heritage, even as their hearts beat with the pain of their ancestors.

Adams also touches on the spiritual aspect of Indigenous culture, questioning whether the 'great spirit' will eventually bring freedom and justice. The song reflects a sense of betrayal and loss, with no 'white flag' or 'broken truce' to mend the past. The elder's lament is not just for the physical land but for the cultural and spiritual heritage that has been irreparably damaged. The song ends on a note of defiance and hope, reminding the 'native son' that despite all that has been lost, their day of reckoning will come, and their spirit remains unbroken.