Lyrics

He Became a Hunter Today

[Verse 1]
Dawn on the red stone
Smoke from the lodges
Slow and thin
He walks beside the hunters
Small footsteps in their wind
Eagle feather trembling
On his braid
On his brave young head
Grandfather's hand on his shoulder
"Walk soft
Remember what I said"

[Chorus]
He became a hunter today
Heart like thunder
On the way
For the ones at home
He prays
He became a hunter today (hey!)
Voices rising with his name
Boy no more
The fire says
He became a hunter today

[Verse 2]
Deer in the still grass
Brown eyes watching
Wide and clear
He feels his heartbeat answering
A little fear
A lot of cheer
Breath held
The world quiet
Sky
Earth
Him
And this one life
Arrow flies like a promise
Straight and sure
Through his shaking pride

[Chorus]
He became a hunter today
Heart like thunder
On the way
For the ones at home
He prays
He became a hunter today (oh-hey!)
Voices rising with his name
Boy no more
The fire says
He became a hunter today

[Bridge]
[Drums grow louder
Feet stomp in unison]
Round and round the fire
Deer meat on the smoke and flame
Grandmothers sing the old words
Old men call out his name (hey!)
Children paint his story
On his chest in ash and red
He dances with the warriors
Same strong rhythm in his legs

[Chorus]
He became a hunter today
Heart like thunder
On the way
For the ones at home
He prays
He became a hunter today (hey-ya!)
Voices rising with his name
Boy no more
The fire says
He became a hunter today

[Outro]
[Flute echoes over fading drums]
He stands by the glowing coals
Stars above
The tribe at rest
One hand on his new spirit
One hand over his chest
Soft chant on his lips
For the deer that gave its breath
He became a hunter today
Walking gently with each step

David Rose