Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Cherokee” by Cat Power
The song “Cherokee” by Cat Power serves as an anthem of love, identity, and unforgettable memories for those who still feel the longing of a home they can’t return to.
Cat Power’s hauntingly beautiful vocals take on the perspective of someone whose heart will forever be tied to the land and people of their heritage. She speaks of a deep and intense longing for a place of belonging as she reflects on the love of family and memories of the past. She speaks to a profound connection to Cherokee land and dreams of someday being able to go back and feel that love once again.
“Cherokee” also speaks to the feeling of displacement that comes along with not being able to be with those we love. Cat Power speaks to the difficulty of being away from her beloved “Cherokee” land, as the chorus carries the longing of missing something and someone so craveable that a place of longing serves as the only solace from the pain of displacement.
The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability and strength as Cat Power reflects on the power of love and longing to help her stay connected to home. She speaks to being an outsider in another place, but still holding tight to her heritage and the love she feels for the land of her ancestors. Even though she is unable to physically be there, her heart remains with the “Cherokee” land, and the memories of her beloved family and friends.
“Cherokee” speaks to the human experience of being displaced and lonely, while still allowing for a connection to something deep and powerful. It speaks to a need for a safe place within oneself to escape the hard realities of the world that seek to take away what we hold close. Even as the distant longing of home and belonging persists, the song expresses hope in the beauty of love and connection that can never be taken away.