In American music’s diverse realm, few songs mirror societal issues as boldly and poignantly as The Ballad of Ira Hayes by the legendary Johnny Cash. The song, penned by folk artist Peter La Farge, was first released in 1964, when civil rights movements were gaining momentum, and the American consciousness was increasingly aware of the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
This powerful narrative song intricately weaves themes of sacrifice, valor, and the harsh realities of life for Native Americans into a compelling storytelling format, making it an enduring piece that resonates even today.
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The Story Behind the Song
At its core, The Ballad of Ira Hayes tells the tragic tale of Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian and U.S. Marine who rose to fame for his pivotal role in raising the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II. While his bravery was celebrated nationwide, it starkly contrasts with the life he faced after returning home.
Cash’s rendition captures this profound irony; despite being hailed as a hero, Hayes encountered neglect and disregard from society. The lyrics poignantly recount how “nobody cared what Ira’d done” as he grappled with alcoholism and the crushing weight of disillusionment.
This song does not merely narrate a story; it serves as a poignant critique of the systemic injustices Native Americans face. It reflects how the broader society acknowledged Hayes as a symbol of patriotism but ultimately failed to address the needs and rights of the very people he represented.
The lyric, “Two inches of water and a lonely ditch was a grave for Ira Hayes,” encapsulates the tragedy of a man whose heroic acts were overshadowed by societal indifference.
Johnny Cash: A Voice for the Voiceless
Johnny Cash was more than a musician; he was a storyteller who used his platform to illuminate social issues and human struggles. Known for his deep, resonant voice and commanding stage presence, Cash has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
By choosing to perform The Ballad of Ira Hayes, he put a spotlight on a piece of history that many might have overlooked. Notably, Cash’s connection to the song lends a layer of authenticity and respect. He performed it with an earnestness that made listeners feel the weight of Hayes’s experiences.
The song blends elements of country, folk, and traditional Native American music, creating a soundscape that enhances the storytelling. Through The Ballad of Ira Hayes, Cash ensures that the narrative of sacrifice celebrated on the battlefield doesn’t fade into oblivion when the soldier returns home.
His delicate balance of reverence and critique urges listeners to remember that heroism should not come at the cost of neglecting the heroes themselves. Reviewing this celebrated piece, it becomes evident that The Ballad of Ira Hayes remains an essential part of American music history.
It not only honors an individual who made significant sacrifices but also sheds light on the broader issues of injustice and recognition faced by Native Americans, thus ensuring that the echoes of its melody and message continue to resonate through time.
Video
Lyrics
[Intro]
Ira Hayes
Ira Hayes
[Chorus]
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
[Verse 1]
Gather round me people there’s a story I would tell
About a brave young Indian you should remember well
From the land of the Pima Indian
A proud and noble band
Who farmed the Phoenix valley in Arizona land
Down the ditches for a thousand years
The water grew Ira’s peoples’ crops
Until the white man stole the water rights
And the sparkling water stopped
Now Ira’s folks were hungry
And their land grew crops of weeds
When war came, Ira volunteered
And forgot the white man’s greed
[Chorus]
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
[Bridge]
There they battled up Iwo Jima’s hill
Two hundred and fifty men
But only twenty-seven lived to walk back down again
[Verse 2]
And when the fight was over
And when Old Glory raised
Among the men who held it high
Was the Indian, Ira Hayes
[Chorus]
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
[Bridge]
Ira Hayes returned a hero
Celebrated through the land
He was wined and speeched and honored
Everybody shook his hand
[Verse 3]
But he was just a Pima Indian
No water, no home, no chance
At home nobody cared what Ira’d done
And when did the Indians dance?
[Chorus]
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
[Verse 4]
Then Ira started drinking hard
Jail was often his home
They’d let him raise the flag and lower it
Like you’d throw a dog a bone!
He died drunk early one morning
Alone in the land he fought to save
Two inches of water in a lonely ditch
Was a grave for Ira Hayes
[Chorus]
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
[Verse 5]
Yeah, call him drunken Ira Hayes
But his land is just as dry
And his ghost is lying thirsty
In the ditch where Ira died
