Indian Red is traditionally sung at the beginning and at the end of gatherings of Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans. It is a traditional chant that may have been first recorded in 1947 by Danny Barker for King Zulu label (Barker on guitar & vocals, Don Kirkpatrick on piano, Heywood Henry on baritone saxophone, and Freddie Moore). It has since been recorded many times by, among others, Dr. John and Wild Tchoupitoulas.
Lyrics
:Madi cu defio, en dans dey, end dans day
:Madi cu defio, en dans dey, end dans day
:We are the Indians, Indians, Indians of the nation
:The wild, wild creation
:We won't bow down
:Down on the ground
:Oh how I love to hear him call Indian Red
:I've got a Big Chief, Big Chief, Big Chief of the Nation
:The wild, wild creation
:He won't bow down
:Down on the ground
:Oh how I love to hear him call Indian Red