Did you know
“Half-Breed” is a popular song by American singer and actress Cher. It was released in 1973 as the title track of her album “Half-Breed.” Here are some details about the song:
1. Songwriters: “Half-Breed” was written by Al Capps, Mary Dean, and John Durrill.
2. Genre: The song falls into the pop and country-pop genres, featuring a blend of both styles.
3. Chart Performance: “Half-Breed” was a commercial success for Cher. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1973, becoming one of her signature hits.
4. Musical Style: The song features a catchy melody with a prominent use of acoustic guitar and a country-style arrangement, including fiddle and banjo. Cher’s distinctive vocals bring a sense of emotion and storytelling to the song.
5. Lyrics: The lyrics of “Half-Breed” tell the story of a woman who grapples with her mixed heritage (half Cherokee and half white) and the prejudice and rejection she faces from society. The song explores themes of identity and discrimination.
6. Impact and Legacy: “Half-Breed” is often regarded as one of Cher’s classic songs and is remembered for its powerful storytelling and memorable musical arrangement.
7. Cover Versions: Over the years, “Half-Breed” has been covered by various artists and remains a recognizable and influential song in pop music.
The song “Half-Breed” is significant not only for its commercial success but also for addressing important themes of identity and discrimination in its lyrics. Cher’s emotional delivery and the memorable country-pop arrangement contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
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Lyrics
My mother’s people were ashamed of me
The indians said I was white by law
The White Man always called me “Indian Squaw”[Chorus:]
Half-breed, that’s all I ever heard
Half-breed, how I learned to hate the word
Half-breed, she’s no good they warned
Both sides were against me since the day I was bornWe never settled, went from town to town
When you’re not welcome you don’t hang around
The other children always laughed at me “Give her a feather, she’s a Cherokee”
[Repeat Chorus]
We weren’t accepted and I felt ashamed
Nineteen I left them, tell me who’s to blame
My life since then has been from man to man
But I can’t run away from what I am
[Repeat chorus]