QUANNAH - Barbara

James Michael Taylor

was a Texan.

Quannah Parker was the son born to Cynthia Parker, a white girl, stolen by Comanche raiders who grew up to be the wife of the chief. Quannah, in turn became the leader of his tribe. Eventually, Cynthia returned to her people. This song could be called CYNTHIA’S LAMENT.

QUANNAH
(Cynthia’s Lament)

My blood is red. My milk is white.
Your father loves the day. I love the night
because the night hides all the colors

You won’t remember how you suckled at my breast
You will forget this. It is I who am impressed.
But, son, you’ll not be like the others
Quannah, Quannah

I watch you grow into a man
A man with no rightful place
I hold your tiny head in my lily hand
I fear the future that you face

Those men are like trees but you’ll be like the wind
You’ll try to move them but they will only bend
They’ll snap back on you Quannah

You’ll never know how I prayed you wouldn’t live
But you are strong and you have what’s your’s to give
But they won’t take it from you, Quannah
Quannah, Quannah

What I have learned, you will know
As the life within me fades the light in you will grow
I’ll be there in you Quannah

Your blood is red. Your seed it will be white
You’ll know the darkness but you’ll cry out for the light
Because the light holds all the colors
Quannah, Quannah, Quannah…

(C) 2004 Royal T Music