Songs with Jim Spry

Gitigaaning (In the Garden)

Vibrant 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.

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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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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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