The Navajo Know

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a figure, initially described with a "mohawk," who walks with an elevated, almost defiant posture. This "way of walkin'" is characterized by being "quite high above the ground," suggesting a sense of confidence or detachment. The repeated phrase "Fearless of lookin' down" reinforces this image of someone unburdened by gravity or perhaps by conventional anxieties. The central tension emerges when the lyrics introduce the idea that "The Navajo know / A way of walkin' / Quite high above the ground." This comparison shifts the focus, implying that the initial description might be referencing a specific cultural practice or understanding of movement. It introduces an element of mystique, suggesting a deeper, perhaps spiritual, connection to this elevated mode of being. The craft here hinges on the repetition and subtle re-contextualization of key phrases. The initial description of the mohawk figure's walk is mirrored by the reference to the Navajo, creating a parallel that invites interpretation. The phrase "Fearless of looking down" becomes more potent when linked to a specific cultural group, hinting at a wisdom or perspective that transcends the individual. This lyrical construction is effective because it juxtaposes a striking visual with an evocative cultural reference. It leaves the listener contemplating the nature of confidence, perspective, and the potentially profound ways people navigate the world, all without explicit explanation.