Listen & Download Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley. Confrontation is final studio album from Bob Marley & The Wailers, album number thirteen and the only one to be released after Marley’s death. “Buffalo Soldier” was the single from Confrontation and it wasn’t long before it became of Bob Marley’s most popular songs. The lyrics depict the “Buffalo Soldiers” of the U.S. 10th Calvalry Regiment in the 1860s during the American Frontier Wars (important distinction: this was a peacetime regiment established before the Civil War).
The catchy tune presents these Buffalo Soldiers as representative of black power and resilience, giving the lyrics a timeless message in the face of black oppression in America. It’s a prime example of what I discussed earlier; Bob Marley’s uncanny ability to serve up a serious message on a laid-back and chill platter.
LYRICS
[Verse 1]
Buffalo soldier, dreadlocked rasta
There was a Buffalo Soldier in the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
I mean it, when I analyse the stench
To me it makes a lot of sense
How the dreadlocked rasta was a Buffalo Soldier
[Verse 2]
And he was taken from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Said it was a Buffalo Soldier, dreadlocked Rasta
Buffalo Soldier in the heart of America
[Verse 3]
If you know your history
Then you would know where you’re coming from
Then you wouldn’t have to ask me
Who the ‘eck do I think I am
[Verse 4]
I’m just a Buffalo Soldier in the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Said he was fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier, in the war for America
[Verse 5]
Buffalo Soldier troddin’ through the land, wo-ho-ooh!
Said he want to ran and then you want a hand
Troddin’ through the land, yea-hea, yea-ea
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier in the war for America
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlocked Rasta
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Driven from the mainland to the heart of the Caribbean
[Verse 6]
Trodding through San Juan
In the arms of America
Trodding through Jamaica, a Buffalo Soldier
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock rasta
