Indigenous history is filled with tales of Coyote, the trickster who can manipulate people to his own advantage, in order to thrive, and survive. There are coyotes in our midst. Those who chose to take advantage of others who may be vulnerable. This song is not autobiographical but I imagine a character who has had dealings with coyote, but has since learned how to turn the tables on the trickster.
(CCO Public Domain / Jean Beaufort)
Coyote
copyright 2024 Steve Smith (SOCAN)
Whoah – whoah
Whoah – whoah
I said Coyote
Why are you playing tricks again?
Coyote
How did you lure me to your den?
Coyote
You’ve got to scheme to stay alive.
Whoah oh
Oh …Coyote
Do anything just to survive.
Whoah oh
But winters coming,
That biting cold is setting in
Winters coming
You’ll soon be shivering again
So run away now
Must be somewhere you’ve got to go
Run away now
And leave your tracks across the snow
Go run away now
With aching paws and shattered dreams
Run away now
To go and sell your latest schemes
Repeat Chorus
So stop your howling
Exactly what you hoping for?
Stop your how ow ow owling
Nobody hears you any more
Don’t try to fool me
I’m not some silly little boy
Don’t try to fool me
Find another sucker to annoy
Don’t try to fool me
I’m smarter than I was before
Don’t try to fool me
Go darken someone elses door
Coyote…..
By now I’ve learned a thing or two
Whoah oh
Coyote…..
Soon I’ll be just as sly as you
Whoah oh
Coyote…ee…ee
I’m on your trail and closing fast
Whoah oh
Coyote….ee..ee
Your latest trick might be your last