Oochigeas (Indian Song)
Roch Voisine · I'll Always Be There [1993]
Here's a story I've been told
About a child of 12 years old
Breathing life to young trees falling
Before the barbed wire on the plain
Before the white man ever came
She must have saved 10,000 souls
She was the keeper of the young
The ones whose lives have just begun
The ones to die their songs unsung
Oochigeas
Oochigeas
The story tells of how she cried
The day the wind blew high the fire
Left her burnt but still undaunted
Across the lake lived the magic team
Who set a task for Malecite
To find the special girl he wanted
When all the village girls had tried
To win his heart to be his bride
Oochi would not be denied
Oochigeas
Oochigeas
Here's a story I've been told
About a child of 12 years old
Breathing life to young trees falling
Not as simple as it seems
She had to see the one unseen
She had to cast away the lies
With courage Oochigeas tried
Forgot the pain forgot the cries
And thus she kept the dream alive
Oochigeas
Oochigeas
Oochigeas (Indian Song)
Roch Voisine's 'Oochigeas (Indian Song)' stands as a poignant song in his extensive discography, released on the 1993 album I'll Always Be There. This recording exemplifies Voisine's unique ability to blend traditional French-Canadian storytelling with contemporary pop sensibilities. The track draws upon indigenous themes, reflecting the artist's deep connection to his cultural heritage and his skill in translating emotional narratives into music. As part of a body of work that includes hits like 'The Lady In Red' and 'Jamie's Girl,' this song highlights his versatility across genres. Voisine's performance captures a timeless quality, utilizing his distinctive vocal style to honor the subject matter without relying on modern production excesses. The recording remains a significant piece of his catalogue, showcasing his enduring influence on Francophone music and his capacity to create resonant, culturally rich compositions that transcend specific eras.