[Chorus] Fighting for and leading (fighting for and leading), the Métis people He lived (he lived) a life of controversy Fighting for and leading (fighting for and leading) his own people He lived (he lived) a life of advocacy [Verse1] MacDonald’s government was racist Creating policies that were unjust Riel sought fairness for the Métis Macdonald sought to destroy them brutally He took their rights, it was genocide Took their children (from their homes and lands) and stole their lives [Verse2] MacDonald’s government sought to break Hiding behind religion, they sought to take the Native’s Way, the Native’s lands Ree-al helped them make a stand Macdonald took their rights, it was genocide Took their children (from their homes and lands) and stole their lives [Chorus] Fighting for and leading (fighting for and leading) the Métis people He lived (he lived) a life of controversy Fighting for and leading (fighting for and leading, his own people He lived (he lived) a life of advocacy [Bridge] He led his people from far away Threats of hanging wouldn’t let him stay Far from the lands where he once grew Far from the families that he once knew When he finally returned to Saskatchewan They convicted him for high treason Though the jury called for clemency MacDonald’s government had him hung. [Chorus] Fighting for and leading (fighting for and leading, the Métis people He lived (he lived) a life of controversy Fighting for and leading (fighting for and leading, his own people He lived (he lived) a life of advocacy
