Gitigaaning (In the Garden)
Jim Spry & Margaret Noodin. Photo by Janis Fairbanks.
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.
Songs with Jim Spry
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.