From the Indian reservation to the governmental school




Well they're goin' to educate me to the white men's Golden Rule




And I'm learning very quickly for I've learned to be ashamed





And I come when they call Billy though I've got an Indian name




And there are drums beyond the mountain Indian drums that you can't hear




There are drums beyond the mountain and they're getting mighty near





And when they think that they'd changed me cut my hair to meet their needs




Will they think I'm white or Indian quarter blood or just half breed




Let me tell you Mr teacher when you say you'll make me right





In five hundred years of fighting not one Indian turned white




And there are drums...




Well you thought that I knew nothing when you brought me here to school





Just another empty Indian just America's first fool




But now I can tell you stories that are burnt and dried and old




But in the shadow of their telling walks the thunder proud and bold





And there are drums...




Long Pine and Sequoia Handsome Lake and Sitting Bull




There's Magnus Colorado with his sleeves so red and full





Crazy Horse the legend those who bit off Custer's soul




They are dead yet they are living with the great Geronimo




And there are drums...



Well you may teach me this land's hist'ry but we taught it to you first




We broke your hearts and bent your journeys broken treaties left us cursed




Even now you have to cheat us even though you this us tame




In our losing we found proudness in your winning you found shame



And there are drums...