Buffalo Soldier
Bob Marley · One Love: Very Best Of Bob Marley & The Wailers [2005]
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 analyze the stench
To me, it makes a lot of sense
How the Dreadlock Rasta was the Buffalo Soldier
And he was taken from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
Buffalo Soldier, in the heart of America
If you know your history
Then you would know where you coming from
Then you wouldn't have to ask me
"Who the heck do I think I am?"
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
Win the war for America
Dreadie, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
Woe yoe yoe yo, yo yo woe yo, woe yoe yoe
(repeat)
Buffalo Soldier, trodding through the land
Said he wanna ran, then you wanna hand
Trodding through the land, yea, yea
Said he was a Buffalo Soldier
Win the war for America
Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Driven from the mainland
To the heart of the caribbean
Singing, woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
Woe yoe yoe yo, yo yo woe yo woe yo yoe
(repeat)
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
Woe yoe yoe, woe woe yoe yoe
Woe yoe yeo yo, yo yo woe yo woe yo yoe
Buffalo Soldier
Buffalo Soldier stands as one of Bob Marley's most enduring compositions, blending reggae rhythms with a narrative rooted in American history. The song recounts the legacy of the African American cavalry units known as Buffalo Soldiers, who served in the American West during the late 19th century. Marley's storytelling transforms this historical account into a powerful anthem of resilience and struggle. While often associated with his later years, the track gained massive global recognition through compilations like One Love: Very Best Of Bob Marley & The Wailers. It remains a staple in his discography, frequently performed live and celebrated for its infectious groove and evocative lyrics. The recording exemplifies Marley's ability to merge social commentary with accessible melody, securing its place as a definitive work in the reggae genre.