The Early Wolf
Art & Lyrics
New video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/oabSj9D8WME
As a little boy, my father and I participated in the YMCA Indian Guides, a father-son organization that focused on the relationship between a dad and his son. It was a wholesome experience where young men were taught many values and lessons to carry with them throughout life. I treasure the time I had with my dad. We were part of the Mohawk tribe. His Indian name was "Cloud Man," and I was "Flying Cloud". Noonway!
On to the song! There was a time before the westward expansion, before European Americans pushed their way west of the Mississippi River towards the Rocky Mountains, when the American West lay unspoiled in all its natural beauty. It was a time when God’s work could be seen in its monumental virgin glory. This piece takes you back to that time, from the dawn of a new day in Yellowstone when we are greeted by an early wolf, through the morning hours, through the afternoon, into sunset, dusk, and once again, into nightfall. As our day ends, we can hear in the distance the spirit of a great Native American giving praise to the “Great Spirit”, echoed by a distant final goodnight by the wolf as he stands atop a cliff overlooking his domain… as we slip away into peaceful slumber under the watchful eye of the Great Spirit.
Lyrics:
The Early Wolf words and music by JRRothrock 8/7/2008
Oh, Great Spirit in the wind…
…whose hands guide the waters, land, and skies…
…teach us not to destroy the music of the earth,
…and that all tribes can live in harmony.
Teach us never to take from nature’s beauty more than we return.
Let us learn from every rock and tree,
...and to lead a life with a clean heart and straight eyes,
...so that someday when life fades, as the sun sets…
...we may once again… come to You…
…without shame.