Johnny Cash – The Ballad of Ira Hayes

Introduction:

“The Ballad of Ira Hayes” by Johnny Cash is a poignant tribute to the life and legacy of Ira Hayes, a Native American who served as a Marine in World War II and was one of the six flag raisers immortalized in the iconic photograph taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Released in 1964 as part of Cash’s album “Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian,” this powerful ballad captures the struggles and injustices faced by Native Americans in the United States. With its stirring melody and evocative lyrics, “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” remains a testament to Cash’s commitment to social justice and his ability to give voice to the marginalized.

Did You Know?:

1. Inspiration Behind the Song: “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” was inspired by the life of Ira Hayes, a Pima Native American who served as a Marine during World War II. Following the famous flag-raising on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Hayes became a symbol of American heroism. However, upon returning home, he faced discrimination and struggled with alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Cash was moved by Hayes’ tragic story and felt compelled to write a song that would shed light on the challenges faced by Native American veterans.
2. Impactful Lyrics: The lyrics of “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” paint a vivid portrait of Hayes’ life, from his childhood on the reservation to his service in the Marines and his eventual descent into despair. Cash’s emotive delivery captures the anguish and resilience of Hayes, highlighting the contradictions between his heroic status and the harsh realities of his life. The song’s chorus, with its haunting refrain of “Ira Hayes, Ira Hayes,” serves as a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made by Native American soldiers and the need for reconciliation and justice.
3. Reception and Legacy: “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” received critical acclaim upon its release and remains one of Cash’s most revered songs. Its powerful message resonated with audiences, sparking conversations about the treatment of Native Americans and the legacy of war. The song’s impact continues to reverberate today, with many artists covering it and using it as a call to action for social change.
4. Recognition: Cash’s rendition of “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” earned him praise from Native American communities and advocacy groups, who appreciated his efforts to raise awareness of their struggles. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1965, further cementing its status as a classic of American folk music.

In summary, “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” stands as a testament to Johnny Cash’s empathy and compassion for the marginalized. Through his heartfelt tribute to Ira Hayes, Cash sheds light on the injustices faced by Native American veterans and calls for greater understanding and reconciliation in American society.

Video:

Lyrics:

Ira Hayes
Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war

Gather ’round me people
There’s a story I would tell
‘Bout 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 a thousand years
The waters grew Ira’s peoples’ crops
‘Til the white man stole their 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

Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war

There they battled up Iwo Jima hill
Two hundred and fifty men
But only twenty-seven lived
To walk back down again
And when the fight was over
And Old Glory raised
Among the men who held it high
Was the Indian, Ira Hayes

Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war

Ira Hayes returned a hero
Celebrated through the land
He was wined and speeched and honored
Everybody shook his hand
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

Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war

Then Ira started drinking hard
Jail was often his home
They 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 and a lonely ditch
Was a grave for Ira Hayes

Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won’t answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine that went to war

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