Chëkënakwi, waha!

The Blackbird Song . . . Sung and told by Nora Thompson Dean to Robert Adams in 1977. This is a 'little song' about blackbirds stealing crops.

English:

Nora introduces the song telling about it in English.

Lenape:

Nora introduces the song telling about it in English.

English:

[The Delawares sing] Oh, blackbird!

Lenape:

Chëkënakwi, waha!

English:

He is stealing.

Lenape:

Këmuthakènsu.

English:

Oh, blackbird!

Lenape:

Chëkënakwi, waha!

English:

[Now blackbird sings] I will feel strong all winter long!

Lenape:

Nchitanamàlsi liluwànke!

English:

Oh, blackbird! He is stealing from the garden.

Lenape:

Chëkënakwi, waha! Këmuthakènsu.

English:

[The blackbird sings] I will feel strong all winter long!

Lenape:

Nchitanamàlsi liluwànke!