[Opening Invocation] Heya hey ya... Heya hey ya... Gather close beside the fire, Listen while the night grows higher. Hear the story elders knew, Of Uŋktomi... and the loon. [Wooden Flute] [Verse 1] Summer smiled upon the land, Warm wind whispered through the reeds. Uŋktomi came to the shining lake, With hungry heart and clever deeds. "Come," he said, "let's play a game, No one here will come to harm." Though the birds were filled with doubt, They trusted in his charm. [Wooden Flute] [Chorus] Heya hey ya... circle round... Heya hey ya... don't look down... Trust your heart and listen well, Not every smiling tongue means well. Hear the loon cry through the night, Calling with his voice so bright. His eyes are red for all to see— A gift of brave fidelity. [Wooden Flute] [Verse 2] Round they swam with eyes shut tight, One time... two times... three. Hidden high above the lake, Sat Uŋktomi in a tree. When a bird passed underneath, Down his hungry hand would fall. One by one they disappeared... No one knew at all. [Wooden Flute] [Verse 3] But the loon grew filled with fear. "Something here is surely wrong." He opened up his careful eyes— And saw the truth before too long. "Fly away!" the loon cried out. "Save yourselves before it's late!" The frightened birds rose from the lake, Escaping cruel fate. [Wooden Flute] [Bridge] Uŋktomi laughed beneath the sky. "You looked... now you shall pay." The loon's bright eyes turned crimson red, And have remained that way. Yet every cry upon the lake, Every haunting call, Reminds us one brave heart can save The lives of one and all. [Wooden Flute] [Final Chorus] Heya hey ya... hear him call... Heya hey ya... warning all... Walk with wisdom every day, Don't let tricksters lead your way. Hear the loon when daylight ends, He remembers all his friends. His crimson eyes still brightly shine— A sacred story through all time. [Wooden Flute] [Closing] Heya hey ya... The fire burns low... The stars look down... The loon still sings... And Uŋktomi still wanders... [Wooden Flute]
