Broken Arrow
Neil Young · Decade [1990]
And when it was over it felt like a dream
They stood at the stage door and begged for a scream
The agents had paid for the black limousine
That waited outside in the rain
Did you see them? Did you see them?
Did you see them in the river?
They were there to wave to you
Could you tell that the empty quivered
Brown skinned Indian on the banks
That were crowded and narrow
Held a broken arrow
Eighteen years of American dream
He saw that his brother had sworn on the wall
He hung up his eyelids and ran down the hall
His mother had told him a trip was a fall
And don't mention babies at all
Did you see him? Did you see him?
Did you see him in the river?
He was there to wave to you
Could you tell that the empty quivered
Brown skinned Indian on the banks
That were crowded and narrow
Held a broken arrow
The streets were lined for the wedding parade
The queen wore the white gloves, the county of song
The black covered caisson her horses had drawn
Protected her king from the sun rays of dawn
They married for peace and were gone
Did you see them? Did you see them?
Did you see them in the river?
They were there to wave to you
Could you tell that the empty quivered
Brown skinned Indian on the banks
That were crowded and narrow
Held a broken arrow
Broken Arrow
Neil Young's "Broken Arrow" appears on the 1990 compilation Decade [1990], showcasing his enduring commitment to raw, acoustic storytelling within the English-language rock tradition. The track exemplifies Young's signature blend of folk and country influences, characterized by his distinctive vocal delivery and sparse instrumentation that prioritizes emotional resonance over production polish. Released as part of a retrospective collection, the song reflects themes of loss and resilience often explored in his discography, maintaining the lyrical depth found in works like "Cinnamon Girl" or "Maui Mama." As a staple of his catalog, "Broken Arrow" remains a testament to his ability to craft intimate recordings that resonate across generations, capturing the essence of his solo career's focus on personal narrative and acoustic purity.