1000 Ancestors | feat. Mitzi Begay (Official Music Video)
32,926
Published 2021-06-19
This song was also written for the Native American Community Academy DSIA project to help prevent substance abuse and youth suicide. I started doing drugs when I was 11 years old. I experienced gender violence since I was very young, which led to self-blame, and self-hatred. Through prayer, I was able to find people who could help me understand that what happened to me was not my fault. That there was a planet worth living for, worth fighting for and worth being sober for. I celebrate 9 years of complete sobriety this year. May all who need that support find it and may we live strong for those who didn't make it through the onslaught of colonization.
All proceeds from my bandcamp (lylajune.bandcamp.com) are routed to www.7genfund.org, a non-profit supporting Indigenous grassroots community projects. Buy this song now and you could support their programs: Community Vitality, Land Defenders & Water Protectors, Thriving Women, Tradition Bearers Fellowship, and Flicker Fund! :)
LYRICS:
When I was young I had some big dreams
Wanted to bring peace and help my family
From a small town, I could feel the gravity
Weight on my shoulders made it hard to spread my wings
But I knew I could do it, knew I could push through it
Could do anything if I put my mind to it
Native youth had it hard as children growing up
But with prayers in our hearts I knew we could overcome
Got 1000 ancestors behind me
We marching on yes here come the army
Got 1000 ancestors behind me
We marching on yes here come the army
When I turned 13 the world shattered my dreams
All I had left was a bunch of broken pieces
So many years hiding in the dark
I almost drowned, but I never gave up
Creator heard my prayer in the depths of my despair
It took a couple tries, but I stood back up
Put down the liquor, put down the drugs
I’ve been sober nine years some how we overcome
Got 1000 ancestors behind me
We marching on yes here come the army
Got 1000 ancestors behind me
We marching on yes here come the army
Now everything I have I owe to the Creator
Fell to my knees didn’t know if She would answer
But She came through clutch at the time when I needed Her
Now I’m flying high, yes, I’m a believer.
It’s what got me through, it’s what got me through
Your love, it’s what got me through, what got me through
To you
Creator
Creator
To you
Creator
Yeah, to you.
Message from elder in Diné Bizaad (Navajo Language)
All Comments (21)
-
Such power in her words She is a song bird i love her sound
-
If it alligns with spirit we will see and hearthe message at pyro hosted by joseph pritz it will be a blessing for the family to know the message creator sent we are eager to heal ourself of the sickness that has us destroying our great mother
-
Well done and well said! "Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last warrior, our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our fathers". Tecumseh Shawnee Nation... Unite, as my Ancestors once said!
-
Love this! Always say I live my life like my Ancestors are watching over my Shoulder. Continued Blessings
-
Your music always speaks to a different level of existence
-
One of your followers, thanks for your inspirational work and words. Creating a ripple of caring.
-
You are one of my heroes. Keep fighting for the Indigenous Peoples. Don't ever give up.
-
We, the spirits of the great creator, are ready❣️
-
Layla, leading us out of the darkness and into the light.
-
Much love from the midwest
-
Always the very best witness and artistic genius. Thank you, Lyla June, for the Truth!
-
😭😭😭😭😭 my ancestors are so proud of me! I'm so thankful to be here and so happy god never gave up on me.
-
Godbless. Much luhv keep doin you.3.5 years sober here. Get sober Gente ahó
-
...lovely greetings from germany...this time all beautiful races of humanity rise up and fight together to replace our fear with love!... the battle isn`t over...
-
This touched my soul! As a fellow Indigenous woman in recovery... thank you for this message! 🦅 Especially from the elder at the end ... POWERFUL 💛❤🖤🤍😭😭😭😭❣❣❣❣ Spiritual Warrior!!!! Chi Miigwech ✊
-
Dear Lyla June. Beautiful work. I am Leila Rose (also said "Lyla"). Anishinaabe descendant. Getting my psychology PhD as a road to help my Indigenous communities. Thank you for your music. It speaks to the world at a crucial time. Also congratulations on 9 years sober that is amazing. Never give up the journey. xo
-
My heart is touched on a deep level watching this & listening with my inner ears as well as my outer ones. Such beauty! Congratulations on your sobriety dear One!! Thank you for this amazing song. Stay blessed🙏
-
I luv u music so powerful and beautiful ❤️ the struggle pain addiction we all have Demons but God bless you use ur music help others and let them know ur not alone .we here for each other support luv healing faith streghth warriors luv we stand our ancestors Elders family kids adults we are frist nation I'm TURTLE MOUNTAIN ND.CHIPPEWA and CREE FRENCH . blessings keep doing u and ur truly Angel
-
My Native sister......much love and Respects alwayz.........thank you......got you loud in Cali
-
WoW! I grew up between reservations, looking like I was native and never accepted either way, German father. YOU make me feel proud of all struggles, and being gracious. Thank you so much! Your music is about building ALL communities. You are a light. Thank you.
