Let me go to my home in the far distant West,
To the scenes of my youth, that I like the best;
Where the tall cedars are, and the bright waters flow,
Where my parents will greet me--white man, let me go.
Let me go to the spot where the cataract plays,
Where oft I have sported in my boyish days;
There is my poor mother, whose heart will o’erflow
At the sight of her child--oh, there let me go.
Let me go to the hills and the valleys so fair,
Where oft I have breathed my own mountain air;
And there through the forest, with quiver and bow,
I have chased the wild deer--oh, there let me go.
Let me go to my father, by whose valiant side,
I have sported so oft in the height of my pride,
And exulted to conquer the insolent foe--
To my father, that chieftain--oh, there let me go.
And, oh, let me go to my dark-eyed maid,
Who taught me to love beneath the willow shade;
Whose heart’s like the fawn’s, and as pure as the snow,
And she loves her dear Indian--to her let me go.
And, oh, let me go to my fair forest home,
And never again will I wish to roam,
And there let my body in ashes lie low;
To that scene in the forest, white man, let me go.