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

1. Madi cu defio, en dans dey, end dans day

2. Madi cu defio, en dans dey, end dans day

3. We are the Indians, Indians, Indians of the nation

4. The wild, wild creation

5. We won't bow down

6. Down on the ground

7. Oh how I love to hear him call Indian Red

8. I've got a Big Chief, Big Chief, Big Chief of the Nation

9. The wild, wild creation

10. He won't bow down

11. Down on the ground

12. Oh how I love to hear him call Indian Red

Notes