Songs Archives - Ojibwe.net https://ojibwe.net/c/songs/ Preserving Anishinaabemowin for future generations Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:56:16 +0000 en hourly 1 https://ojibwe.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-Favicon-Transparent-32x32.png Songs Archives - Ojibwe.net https://ojibwe.net/c/songs/ 32 32 Johnston Sisters Sing an Ojibwe Sweetheart Song https://ojibwe.net/sisters-sweetheart-song/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sisters-sweetheart-song Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:17:06 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=14529 Johnston Sisters Sing an Ojibwe Sweetheart Song To celebrate Women's History Month and Poetry month in 2026, Curator & Public Historian, Barbara Bair assembled an exhibit of the work of Jane Johnston Schoolcraft at the Library of Congress. Bamewawagezhikaquay (Woman of the Sound the Stars Make Rushing Through the Sky) began [...]

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Traditional Songs

Johnston Sisters Sing an Ojibwe Sweetheart Song

To celebrate Women’s History Month and Poetry month in 2026, Curator & Public Historian, Barbara Bair assembled an exhibit of the work of Jane Johnston Schoolcraft at the Library of Congress.

Bamewawagezhikaquay (Woman of the Sound the Stars Make Rushing Through the Sky) began writing poetry in English and Ojibwemowin and as Bair notes: “her poems reflect her love of nature and the songs, tales, and history of her Indigenous heritage.

They also explore hope, faith, and delight, and the pain of grief, loss, and separation.

One of the songs Jane transcribed and translated is Ojibwe Ikwezens which was sung often by both Jane and her sister Charlotte.

Project: The Ojibwe Ikwezens Song Moving Across Time

This song has traveled across generations. Here we share part of its journey in four stages. Explore each part below.

  • 1
    Part 1: In the early 1800s Jane Johnston Schoolcraft transcribes the song in her journals. These journals have been preserved by the Library of Congress, and you can see her original transcription below.
  • 2

    Part 2: Anna Jameson hears Jane and her sister Charlotte singing the song in her travels to Sault Ste. Marie in 1837. She notates the music as she heard it at the time. Her musical score appears in her book Winter Studies and Summer Rambles.

  • 3
    Part 3: Margaret Noodin converts the writing into modern-day Ojibwe orthography and provides a literal translation for students of the language.
  • 4
    Part 4: Margaret Noodin, Sheila Feay-Shaw, and Róisín Ní Raghallaigh record the song. Fear-Shaw then transcribes the recording so you can sing along.

 Part 1: The lyrics as Jane transcribed them

From 1815 until about 1830 Jane transcribed the words to Ojibwe Ikwezens, a popular song of the time. This writing was preserved in the Library of Congress collection.

1.
Aun dush ween do win ane
Gitchy Mocomaun aince
Caw awzhaw woh da modé
We yea, yea haw ha! &c

2.
Wah yaw bum maud e
Ojibway quaince un e
We maw jaw need e
We yea, yea haw ha! &c

3.
Omow e maun e
We nemoshain yun
We maw jaw need e
We yea, yea haw ha! &c

4.
Caw ween gush shá ween
Kin wainzh e we yea
O guh maw e maw seen
We yea, yea haw ha! &c

5.
Me gosh shá ween e yea
Ke bish quaw bam maud e
Tehe won ain e maud e
We yea, yea haw ha! &c

Song lyrics as written by Jane Johnston Schoolcraft online at Library of Congress:
https://www.loc.gov/resource/mss39115.07025/?sp=3

Part 2: Jane’s Re-telling of the Story in Prose & Anna Brownell Jameson’s Musical Score

Jane’s lovely retelling of the story in prose:

Why! What’s the matter with the young American? He crosses the river with tears in his eyes! He sees the young Ojibway Girl preparing to leave the place: he sobs for his sweetheart, because she is going away! but he will not sigh long for her, for as soon as he sees her out of sight, he will forget her.

The first known score of the song recorded by Anna Brownell Jameson in her book Winter Studies and Summer Rambles in Canada published in 1838 in which she says Ojibwe songs ought to be compared with the Notturini of Felice Blangini (1781, Turin – 1841, Paris) due to their repetition and focus on sentiment over extensive detail.

Note: Anna Brownell Jameson, was a scholar, artist, art historian and feminist born in Dublin, Ireland in 1794. In 1837 she traveled through several Anishinaabe communities in southern Ontario. The book that established her reputation as a scholar was Characteristics of Women, Moral, Poetical and Historical (1832), later titled Shakespeare’s Heroines and still cited by researchers today.

Part 3: The song is translated in 2026

Text here about the translation process.

Translated into modern Ojibwe

1.
Aan’ dash wiin daawin ani
Gichi-mookomaanens
Gaa-aazhawaadamoode
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

2.
Wayaabamaad e
Ojibway ikwezens e
Wii-maajaanid e
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

3.
Omawimaan e
Wiininimosheyan
Wii-maajaanid e
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

4.
Gaawiin gosha wiin
Giiwenaazha’aad
Ogaa-mawimaansiin
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

5.
Mii gosha wiin ayaad
Gabe ishkwa waabamad e
De-wanenimad e
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

The literal translation

1.
Why is he in his camp there
The young American
He has crawled across the river
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

2.
He sees her
The Ojibway maiden
She will leave
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

3.
He cries for her
His sweetheart
She will leave
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

4.
It is not really
That he will dismiss her
He will not be crying for her
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

5.
When he is there
At the end of seeing her
He will forget her
We yaa, ya haa ha (repeat)

Part 4: The song is revitalized and you can sing it too!

Sheila Feay-Shaw, Róisín Ní Raghallaigh and Margaret Noodin from, Milwaukee, Béal Feirste, and Gichi-Onigaming sang a
version of the song together in 2026.

In singing the original transcribed version of this song, there were several concepts that did not reflect the sense of traditional Ojibwe songs. Since the original came from a time period where Western traditional musical practice would have greatly influenced the documentation of the song, and since no recording was used to help with memory of the specific musical elements, a new transcription has been created. This one utilizes as much of the original melodic material as possible adding in more traditional rhythmic patterns and logical language alignment. The spirit of the original transcription has been maintained while creating a version that more closely aligns with the sound of Ojibwe traditional songs.

Play Audio: Ojibwe Ikwezens 3

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]]> Jingle Bells https://ojibwe.net/jingle-bells/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jingle-bells Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:46:32 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=14452 Godotaagaansan (Jingle Bells) In the 1850s James Lord Pierpont wrote the song with the name "The One Horse Open Sleigh" to celebrate winter sleigh races. It has been performed many ways over the years and became a holiday standard a century after it was written. In Cook County, Minnesota, it [...]

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Popular Songs

Godotaagaansan (Jingle Bells)

A classic Christmas scene with a horse-drawn carriage, snow-covered trees, and a few people bundled up in coats

In the 1850s James Lord Pierpont wrote the song with the name “The One Horse Open Sleigh” to celebrate winter sleigh races. It has been performed many ways over the years and became a holiday standard a century after it was written. In Cook County, Minnesota, it is sung as dogs and sleds are getting ready for a race without a horse, the John Beargrease race.

Born in 1858, John Makwabimide (Beargrease) lived with his brothers Debaashi (Underneath) also known as Peter, and Bashkwegin (Leather) who was also known as Joseph. They lived in Beaver Bay and delivered mail using dogsleds between 1897 and 1899. Today, dogsled teams from all over head to Duluth, Minnesota to compete in an annual race in his honor. https://beargrease.com/

For groups who want to sing the whole song, here are the lyrics to download. For young students we recommend the short version with the nakwe’amaagewin (chorus or answering part) and just one nagamobiisaawin (part of the song or verse), but either way we hope you enjoy winter sledding and weweni, travel safe!

Godotaagaansan

Nakwe’amaagewin / Chorus:

Godotaagaansan, godotaagaansan madwewemagadoon
Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle all the way

Minwendaagwag wii-booziyang biboonodaabaaning
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh

Godotaagaansan, godotaagaansan madwewemagadoon
Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle all the way

Minwendaagwag wii-booziyang biboonodaabaaning
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh

Nagamobiisaawin Bezhig / Verse One:

Nizhiibaagonebiz biboonodaabaaning,
Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh,

Zhiibaabizoyang gitigaaning, ge baashkaapiyang;
Over the fields we go, laughing all the way;

Madwewemagag, ge minawaanigoziyang;
Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright;

Aapiji minwendaagwag ji-zhiibaagonebizoyang!
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight!

Nagamobiisaawin Niizh / Verse Two:

Mii iidog gaa-niizhogon, gii-babaamibizoyaan,
A day or two ago, I thought I’d take a ride,

Dash wayiiba Baanii Waasikwe gii-wiidabimid imaa;
And soon Miss Fanny Bright was seated by my side;

Bebezhigoogaanzhii bwaa-minwaabamewizid,
The horse was lean and lank, misfortune seemed his lot,

Gii-izhaayaang ishpaagoneyaasing, dash gwanabiseyaang.
We got into a drifted bank, and then we got upsot.

Nagamobiisaawin Niswi / Verse Three:

Mii iidog gaa-niizhogon, daa-dazhindamaan
A day or two ago, a story I must tell.

Gii-bimaagoneyaan, dash aatawaaseyaan.
I went out on the snow, and on my back I fell.

Awiiya nigii-gabikaag biboonodaabaaning,
A gent was riding by in a one horse open sleigh,

Gii-baapigooyaan apii animibizod ge-bimishinaan!
He laughed as there I sprawling lie but quickly drove away!

Nagamobiisaawin Niiwin / Verse Four:

Noongom gaa-gabezoogipon, bimaagonen noongom;
Now the ground is white, go it while you’re young;

Wiijiiwaag ikwezensag, dash o’ow nagamowin.
Take the girls tonight, and sing this sleighing song.

Gidaa-debinaa bebezhigoogaanzhii, ge gizhiibaatood;
Just get a bob tailed bay, two-forty as his speed;

Zagibizh biboonodaabaaning dash ogimaakandawad!
Hitch him to an open sleigh and crack! You’ll take the lead!

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]]> Wheels on the Bus https://ojibwe.net/wheels-on-the-bus/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wheels-on-the-bus Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:24:43 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=14132 Ditibiniganag Gichi-odaabaaning Ditibisewag (Wheels on the Bus) "The Wheels on the Bus" is an American folk song written by Verna Hills in 1937. The Ojibwe version here is sung by students who live in Gichi-Onigaming and Cook County, Minnesota. The audio is intentionally slow and focused on learning the names for what we [...]

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Children’s Songs

Ditibiniganag Gichi-odaabaaning Ditibisewag (Wheels on the Bus)

“The Wheels on the Bus” is an American folk song written by Verna Hills in 1937. The Ojibwe version here is sung by students who live in Gichi-Onigaming and Cook County, Minnesota. The audio is intentionally slow and focused on learning the names for what we see on the bus and using the words for what they do.

Be sure to practice saying the nouns together before singing the songs and remember it’s more fun if you get silly and act it all out!

Art by Jasmine Culp

Wheels on the bus

1.
Ditibiniganag gichi-odaabaaning ditibisewag
The wheels on the bus go around (and around)

ditibisewag, ditibisewag.
around (and around), around (and around).

Ditibiniganag gichi-odaabaaning ditibisewag
The wheels on the bus go around (and around)

miziwe-oodenang.
all over town.

2.
Ishkwaandeman gichi-odaabaaning baakinigaadewan
The doors on the bus open (and close)

gibaakogaadewa, baakinigaadewan.
(open) and close, open (and close).

Ishkwaandeman gichi-odaabaaning baakinigaadewan
The doors on the bus open (and close)

miziwe-oodenang.
all through the town.

3.
Gaashkaashkaa’iganan gichi-odaabaaning gaashkaashkaa’igaadewan
The wipers on the bus go swish (swish, swish)

gaashkaashkaa’igaadewan, gaashkaashkaa’igaadewan.
swish (swish, swish), swish (swish, swish).

Gaashkaashkaa’iganan gichi-odaabaaning gaashkaashkaa’igaadewan
The wipers on the bus go swish (swish, swish)

miziwe-oodenang.
all through the town.

4.
Madwejigan gichi-odaabaaning gichi-madwemagad
The horn on the bus makes a very big sound

gichi-madwemagad, gichi-madwemagad.
a very big sound, a very big sound.

Madwejigan gichi-odaabaaning gichi-madwemagad
The horn on the bus makes a very big sound

miziwe-oodenang.
all through the town.

5.
Oniijaanisag gichi-odaabaaning namadabiwag
The children on the bus, they sit down

niibawiwag, namadabiwag.
they stand up, they sit down.

Oniijaanisag gichi-odaabaaning namadabiwag
The children on the bus, they sit down

miziwe-oodenang.
all through the town.

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]]> Red-breasted Robin https://ojibwe.net/red-breasted-robin/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=red-breasted-robin Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:18:12 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=14078 Misko-kaakigan opichi (Red-breasted robin) Art by Jasmine Culp This is a song we use at school in Cook County. We learned the song from Ben at Scaredy Cat Music in Grand Marais, but it is one we know has been sung in many places. We've changed it just a little to help [...]

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Children’s Songs

Misko-kaakigan opichi (Red-breasted robin)

Art by Jasmine Culp

This is a song we use at school in Cook County. We learned the song from Ben at Scaredy Cat Music in Grand Marais, but it is one we know has been sung in many places.

We’ve changed it just a little to help Ojibwe language learners have fun with the names for each bird.It is fun to dance like each bird while singing it or make hand motions to represent each bird as you sing it while sitting down.

We hope you enjoy singing it!

Robin Song

Misko-kaakigan opichi
Red-breasted robin

Aandeg bababaamise
Crow flying round

Gegiinkoonzhe nisaagwaashkwani
Nuthatch hopping down the tree

Gijigijiganeshiinh . . .shiinh. . . shiinh
Chickadee . . .dee. . .dee

Gijigijiganeshiinh . . .shiinh. . . shiinh
Chickadee . . .dee. . .dee

Kaaw. . .kaaw. . .kaaw
Caw. . .caw. . .caw

Kaaw. . .kaaw. . .kaaw
Caw. . .caw. . .caw

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]]> Five Green & Speckled Frogs https://ojibwe.net/five-frogs-song/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-frogs-song Fri, 02 May 2025 23:34:05 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=13589 Five Green & Speckled Frogs (Naanan Omakakiig) This translation of Five Little Speckled Frogs is fun to sing and act out with children. As they practice counting backward, point out the way words sound a bit different when there is only one frog left! Frog Worksheets! 1. First Verse and [...]

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Children’s Songs

Five Green & Speckled Frogs (Naanan Omakakiig)

This translation of Five Little Speckled Frogs is fun to sing and act out with children. As they practice counting backward, point out the way words sound a bit different when there is only one frog left!

Frog Worksheets!

Five Frogs Song

1.
Naanan omakakiig
Five little speckled frogs

abiwag mitigong
they sit on a log

amawaawaad manidoonsan
they are eating bugs

Yum yum!

Bezhig bakobii-gwaashkwani
one into the water jumped

ezhi-daki-ayaag
where it is cool

mii dash niiwin ayaawaad
then there are four

Glub glub!

2.
Niiwin omakakiig
Four little speckled frogs

abiwag mitigong
they sit on a log

amawaawaad manidoonsan
they are eating bugs

Yum yum!

Bezhig bakobii-gwaashkwani
one into the water jumped

ezhi-daki-ayaag
where it is cool

mii dash niswi ayaawaad
then there are three

Glub glub!

3.
Niswi omakakiig
Three little speckled frogs

abiwag mitigong
they sit on a log

amawaawaad manidoonsan
they are eating bugs

Yum yum!

Bezhig bakobii-gwaashkwani
one into the water jumped

ezhi-daki-ayaag
where it is cool

mii dash niizh ayaawaad
then there are two

Glub glub!

4.
Niizh omakakiig
Two little frogs

abiwag mitigong
they sit on a log

amawaawaad manidoonsan
they are eating bugs

Yum yum!

Bezhig bakobii-gwaashkwani
one into the water jumped

ezhi-daki-ayaag
where it is cool

mii dash bezhig ayaad
then there is one

Glub glub!

5.
Bezhig omakakii
One little frog

mii abi mitigong
so he/she sits on a log

amawaad manidoonsan
he/she is eating bugs

Yum yum!

Dash bakobii-gwaashkwani
Then into the water he/she jumped

ezhi-daki-ayaag
where it is cool

mii gaawiin ayaasii
so he/she is not there

omakakii!
the frog!

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]]> I Will Sit With You https://ojibwe.net/i-will-sit-with-you/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=i-will-sit-with-you Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:10:48 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=13416 I Will Sit With You (Giwiidabimin) by Margaret NoodinGiwiidabimin (I Will Sit With You) was written for all the people who serve others as they have been served, who take time to comfort as they have been comforted, who share their energy with those who need strength.The song was written to be [...]

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Traditional Songs

I Will Sit With You (Giwiidabimin)

by Margaret Noodin

Giwiidabimin (I Will Sit With You) was written for all the people who serve others as they have been served, who take time to comfort as they have been comforted, who share their energy with those who need strength.

The song was written to be sung when getting through the present is the most important task at hand and companionship is the only gift that holds meaning.

You may want to adapt the song to match the pace or rhythm of the challenge you are facing with someone – that is fine. Songs, once released, like language, sometimes have a life of their own.

Giwiidabimin

Verse 1
Gigii-wiidabim omaa
You sat with me
wenji-wiidabiminan
So I am sitting with you

Gigii-wiidabim omaa
You sat with me
wenji-wiidabiminan
So I am sitting with you

way-ya-hey-yo
way-ya-hey-yo

Verse 2
Gigii-zhaawenim apane
You have blessed me always
wenji-zhaaweniminan
So now I am blessing you

Gigii-zhaawenim apane
You have blessed me always
wenji-zhaaweniminan
So now I am blessing you

way-ya-hey-yo
way-ya-hey-yo

Interlude
Giminobimaadizimin
We live a good life

anaami-giizis
under the sun

anaami-aanakwadoon
under the clouds

wenipanad
when it is easy

zanagad
when it is hard

mii anangwiyang
then we become the stars

Verse 3
Gigii-mino-ashoodizh
You have held me
wenji-ashoodizhinan
So now I hold you

Gigii-mino-ashoodizh
You have held me
wenji-ashoodizhinan
So now I hold you

way-ya-hey-yo
way-ya-hey-yo

Verse 4
Gidaanikoobizh
You are connected to me
wenji-aanikoobizhinan
So I am connected to you

Gidaanikoobizh
You are connected to me
wenji-aanikoobizhinan
So I am connected to you

way-ya-hey-yo
way-ya-hey-yo

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]]> We Wish You a Merry Christmas https://ojibwe.net/we-wish-you-a-merry-christmas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=we-wish-you-a-merry-christmas Fri, 03 Jan 2025 03:23:00 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=13091 We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Mino-Niibaa-anami'ewigiizhigad) The lyrics for "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" date back to the 17th century in English but the tune was composed in by composer, conductor, and organist, Arthur Warrell who arranged the song for his group, the Bristol University Madrigal Singers, and performed [...]

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Songs with Jim Spry

We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad)

Christmas pudding on a rustic wooden table with copy space.

The lyrics for “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” date back to the 17th century in English but the tune was composed in by composer, conductor, and organist, Arthur Warrell who arranged the song for his group, the Bristol University Madrigal Singers, and performed it at a concert in December 1935. This version of the song is sung annually by students in Cook County who aren’t always sure they like figgy pudding. For an excellent description of this strange and sticky seasonal treat we suggest you enjoy Max Miller’s history lesson, Figgy Pudding: A Victorian Christmas Tradition. Most importantly, in the song you will learn how to spread good holiday cheer, talk about what you really love to eat and insist “gaawiin niwiimaajaasii” (I won’t leave) until you get some!

Mino-Niibaa

1)
Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas

Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas

Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas

Miinawaa Oshki-biboon
And a Happy New Year

2)
Biidoon gichizhoominiwaaboo
Now bring us some figgy pudding

Biidoon gichizhoominiwaaboo
Now bring us some figgy pudding

Biidoon gichizhoominiwaaboo
Now bring us some figgy pudding

Miinawaa biidoon omaa
And bring it out here

3)
Nizaagitoomin gichizhoominiwaaboo
For we love our figgy pudding

Nizaagitoomin gichizhoominiwaaboo
For we love our figgy pudding

Nizaagitoomin gichizhoominiwaaboo
For we love our figgy pudding

Miinawaa biidoon omaa
And bring it out here

4)
Gaawiin niwii-maajaasiimin
We won’t go until we get some

Gaawiin niwii-maajaasiimin
We won’t go until we get some

Gaawiin niwii-maajaasiimin
We won’t go until we get some

Miinawaa biidoon omaa
And bring it out here

5)
Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas

Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas

Mino-Niibaa-anami’ewigiizhigad
We wish you a Merry Christmas

Miinawaa oshki-biboon
And a Happy New Year

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]]> Giga-waabamin (I’ll See You Again) https://ojibwe.net/ill-see-you-again/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ill-see-you-again Sun, 24 Nov 2024 22:51:16 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=12910 Giga-waabamin (I'll See You Again) Song The phrase "giga-waabamin" is one of the most common phrases in Ojibwe communities. It is often one of the few phrases everyone knows and can be used as a place to start learning so that you are ready to greet neighbors who use it and [...]

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Children’s Songs

Giga-waabamin (I’ll See You Again) Song

Painting of a fox, a bear, and a bird on a tree stump smiling and singing. The ground is lush green and in the background are two trees and a yellow sunset with puffy clouds.

The phrase “giga-waabamin” is one of the most common phrases in Ojibwe communities. It is often one of the few phrases everyone knows and can be used as a place to start learning so that you are ready to greet neighbors who use it and ancestors who spoke Ojibwe.

Below are some words to study and know before learning the simple little song shared by Amanda Barras and her 3rd Grade Class in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Children sing it together and begin learning how the pieces of the language come together often without even talking much about grammar. We hope you find it fun to learn!

Ikidowinan Da-gikendaagwadoon (Words to Know)

Giga-waabamin
waabam : to see someone
gi + (a doing word) + in : me to you
ga- : in the future

Nakweshkodaadiyang
nakweshkodaadi : to meet each other
-yang : all of us

Bagosendamaan
bagosendan : to hope for something
-maan : I

Mino-ayaayan
mino- : a little part added to many words to mean good
ayaa : to be somewhere or be a certain way
-yan : you

Ninitaa-ojibwemomin eshkam apii gagwejitooyaang! (We gradually speak Ojibwe well as we practice!)

The first recording of students singing this song after learning it.

I’ll See You Again

Several months after making the first recording the class wanted to update the page with a version where there is clearly and proudly no need for teacher support. 

Giga

Giga-waabamin
(Good-bye / I will see you)

Biinish nakweshkodaadiyang
(Until we meet again)

Bagosendamaan mino-ayaayan
(I hope you have a happy day)

Giga-waabamin
(Good-bye / I will see you)

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]]> On This Day O Beautiful Mother https://ojibwe.net/on-this-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=on-this-day Sun, 10 Nov 2024 17:54:03 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=12836 On This Day O Beautiful Mother  (Miikawaadizi Gigasheminaan) The hymn “On this Day, O Beautiful Mother” was composed by Louis Lambillotte who lived from 1796 to 1855. It is often sung at weddings and during the month of May, which is dedicated to Mary. Lamillotte is known [...]

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Songs with Jim Spry

On This Day O Beautiful Mother  (Miikawaadizi Gigasheminaan)

A bride walking down the aisle of a church with audience members standing in the pews and pianists and a singer on a platform in the upper left.
A bride and groom posing for a picture with their children and mother holding flowers.
Vector background image of blue and white hearts that can be used for White Day

The hymn “On this Day, O Beautiful Mother” was composed by Louis Lambillotte who lived from 1796 to 1855. It is often sung at weddings and during the month of May, which is dedicated to Mary. Lamillotte is known for his work with Gregorian chant which is a form of ceremonial recitation dating back to the 3rd century. Much like early Ojibwe songs, chanting was used to aid people in remembering and presenting texts or stories.

On a sentimental note, this recording was made by Jim Spry and Margaret Noodin for the celebration of the marriage of Christian and Jackiemae Deschampe on October 18, 2024. The song was also sung by Margaret’s grandmother, Margaret Hill O’Donnell at weddings in the 1940s and 1950s.

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Songs with Jim Spry

This song and others in our Songs with Jim Spry section are favorites of Jim who was born in 1939 in Cloquet, Minnesota, to parents living in Gichi-Onigaming (Grand Portage). His father came from Gaa-waabaabiganikaag (White Earth) to Gichi-Onigaming to work for the CCC, met Jim’s mother, and stayed. He is known along the north shore as a talented singer and guitar-player and made these recordings with Margaret Noodin in 2024 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Elders Nutrition Program, or at homes in Gichi-Onigaming. The translations were done by Margaret with input from Jim and Michael Zimmerman, Jr.
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On This Day

On this day, O beautiful Mother,
Miikawaadizi gigasheminaan

On this day we give thee our love;
Noongom gizaagigoo

Near thee, Madonna, fondly we hover,
Wiiji-ayaagoo dazhiikeyaang

Trusting thy gentle care to prove.
Babaamenimiyaang igo

1
On this day we ask to share,
Gigaagwejimigoo noongom

Dearest Mother, thy sweet care;
Gigasheminaan waangawiziyan

Aid us ere our feet astray
wiidokaawishinaanig

Wander from thy guiding way.
Ji-gwayak-bimaadiziyaang

2
Queen of Angels deign to hear
Ogimaakwe aanzheniig

Lisping children’s humble prayer
Bi-anami’etoogwaa

Young hearts gain o virgin pure
Oniijaanisimaag mii dash

Sweetly to thyself allure
Zhaawenimadwaa igo

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]]> In the Garden https://ojibwe.net/in-the-garden/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=in-the-garden Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:10:29 +0000 https://ojibwe.net/?p=12456 Gitigaaning (In the Garden) In the Garden is often considered an American country music standard and was written in 1912 by C. Austin Miles. Translated into Ojibwe, the lyrics teach some important phrases about depending on others and appreciating the beauty around us. For instance, the words “wiijibimosem” (to walk with [...]

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Songs with Jim Spry

Gitigaaning (In the Garden)

Vibrant pink and orange roses in full bloom with dewdrops glistening on their petals.

In the Garden is often considered an American country music standard and was written in 1912 by C. Austin Miles. Translated into Ojibwe, the lyrics teach some important phrases about depending on others and appreciating the beauty around us. For instance, the words “wiijibimosem” (to walk with another) reminds us to share life’s burdens; and the word “dibendaagozi” (to belong) reminds us part of being is belonging.

See all songs with Jim Spry

Songs with Jim Spry

This song and others in our Songs with Jim Spry section are favorites of Jim who was born in 1939 in Cloquet, Minnesota, to parents living in Gichi-Onigaming (Grand Portage). His father came from Gaa-waabaabiganikaag (White Earth) to Gichi-Onigaming to work for the CCC, met Jim’s mother, and stayed. He is known along the north shore as a talented singer and guitar-player and made these recordings with Margaret Noodin in 2024 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Elders Nutrition Program, or at homes in Gichi-Onigaming. The translations were done by Margaret with input from Jim and Michael Zimmerman, Jr.
See all songs with Jim Spry

In the Garden

1)
Nindodishiwe gitigaaning
I come to the garden alone

mindookaak imaa oginiing
while the dew is still on the rose

gaye bizindamaan biinjitawag
and the voice I hear falling on my ear

waabanda’id bezhigoyaan.
the Son of God discloses.

Chorus

Wiijibimosemid
And he walks with me

aanimitaagozi’id
and he talks with me

idaang dibendaagoziyaan
and he tells me I am his own

minawaanigwak
and the joy we share

maada’ookiiyaang
as we tarry there

maamakaadendaagwak igo.
none other has ever known.

2)
Apii minotaagozi mii
He speaks and the sound of his voice

booninagamowaad bineshiiyag
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing

miinawaa nagamowin gii-miizhid
and the melody that he gave to me

baswewesing indeying.
within my heart is ringing.

3)

Nindaa-wiiji’ayaaw’aa
I’d stay in the garden with him

dazhi-gitigaaning dibikong
though the night around me is falling

aanawi wiindamawid ji-maajaayaan
but he bids me go through the voice of woe

mii dash madwe-ganoozhid.
his voice to me is calling.

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