The general rode for sixteen days. The horses were thirsty and tired. On the trail of a renegade chief. One he'd come to admire. The soldiers hid behind the hills. That surrounded the village. And he rode down to warn the chief. They'd come to conquer and pillage. Lay down your arms. Lay down your spear. The chief's eyes were sad. But showed no sign of fear. (chorus). It is a good day to die. Oh my children dry your eyes. It is a good day to die. He spoke of the days before the white man came. With his guns and whisky. He told of a time a long time ago. Before what you call history. The general couldn't believe his words. Nor the look on his face. But he knew these people would rather die. Then have to live in this disgrace. What law have I broken. What wrong have I done. That makes you want to bury me. Upon this trail of blood. (chorus). We cared for the land and the land cared for us. And that's the way it's always been. Never asked for more never asked too much. And now you tell me this is the end. I laid down my weapon. Laid down my bow. Now you want to drive me out. With no place left to go. (chorus). And he turned to his people and said dry your eyes. We've been blessed and we are thankful. Raise your voices to the sky.