Charley Pride – Kaw-Liga

Charley Pride Performs Hank Williams' “Kaw-Liga”

About the song

Kaw-Liga: A Country Ballad by Charley Pride

In the realm of country music, there are songs that tell stories of love and loss, of heartbreak and resilience, and of the simple joys of life. And then there are songs that transcend these themes, becoming anthems that capture the essence of the American spirit. “Kaw-Liga” by Charley Pride is one such song.

Released in 1969, “Kaw-Liga” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that tells the tale of a Native American woman named Kaw-Liga who is forced to leave her home and people to marry a white man. The song is a poignant exploration of cultural displacement and the enduring power of love, set against the backdrop of the American frontier.

Pride’s gentle yet powerful vocals bring Kaw-Liga’s story to life, imbuing her with a sense of dignity and grace in the face of adversity. The lyrics, penned by Hank Williams Sr. and Fred Rose, are poetic and evocative, painting vivid images of Kaw-Liga’s homeland and the life she left behind.

“Kaw-Liga” was a commercial success for Pride, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. But more importantly, it became a touchstone for Native Americans, a song that spoke to their experiences of displacement and assimilation. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a staple of Pride’s repertoire.

“Kaw-Liga” is more than just a country song; it is a cultural touchstone and a testament to the enduring power of music. It is a song that speaks to the heart, reminding us of the importance of home, heritage, and the unbreakable bonds of love.

Video

Lyrics

“Kaw-Liga”
(originally by Hank Williams)

Kaw-Liga was a wooden Indian standin’ by the door
He fell in love with an Indian maiden over in the antique store
Kaw-Liga well he just stood there and never let it show
So she could never answer yes or no
Poor ol’ Kaw-Liga well he never got a kiss
Poor ol’ Kaw-Liga he don’t know what he missed
Is it any wonder that his face is red Kaw-Liga that poor ol’ wooden headHe always wore his Sunday feathers and held a tomahawk
The maiden wore her beads and braids and hoped someday he’d talk
Kaw-Liga well he stood there as lonely as can be
Cause his heart was an ol’ pine knoty tree
Poor ol’ Kaw-Liga…

And then one day a wealthy customer bought the Indian maid
He took her oh so far away but ol’ Kaw-Liga stayed
Well he stood there and never let it show so she could never answer yes or no
Poor ol’ Kaw-Liga…