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In Trinidad there was a family
With much confusion as you will see
It was a mama and a papa, and a boy who was grown
Who wanted to marry and have a wife of his own

He found a young girl, that suited him nice
And went to his papa to ask his advice
His papa said son, I have to say no
This girl is your sister but your mama don't know

Woe, is me, shame and scandal in the family
Woe, is me, shame and scandal in the family

A week went by and the summer came 'round
And soon the best cook in the island he found
He went to his papa to name the date
But papa shook his head and to him he said
You can't marry this girl, I have to say no
This girl is your sister but your mama don't know

Woe, is me, shame and scandal in the family
Woe, is me, shame and scandal in the family

He went to his mama and covered his head
And told his mama what his papa had said
His mama she laughed, she said go, man, go
Your daddy ain't your daddy, but your daddy don't know

Woe, is me, shame and scandal in the family
Woe, is me, shame and scandal in the family

(Chorus:)
Son don't go near the Indians please stay away
Son don't go near the Indians please do what I say

Since I was just a little boy I've liked to roam the hills
And to hear wild stories about the Indians was my biggest thrill
I'd shout and yell and holler like them I wore moccasins on my feet
And I'd make believe I was under a teepee every time I went to sleep

My hair was jet black and I was twenty one
Lots of pretty girls around
But the paleface maidens didn't thrill me none
Around my Cochise County home town

(Chorus)

One day I went to the reservation and there by a shallow creek
Was a beautiful Indian a'fetchin' water and I just had to speak
She smiled at me then quickly left but the next day she re-turned
And it wasn't very long 'til I told her how the love in my heart burned

(Repeat Chorus In Key Of D)

I told my daddy I'd found a girl who meant the world to me
And tomorrow I'd ask the Indian chief for the hand of Nova Lee
Dad's trembling lips spoke softly as he told me of my life
It was then he said I could never take this maiden for my wife

(Recitation - Play Chord Progression As Per Verse In Background:)

Son the white man and Indian were fighting when you were born
And a brave called Yellow Sun scalped my little boy
So I stole you to get even for what he'd done
Though you're a full blooded Indian son
I love you as much as my own little feller that's dead
And son Nova Lee is your sister and that's why I've always said...

Repeat Chorus (Fading)

(recorded by Rex Allen)