Editor’s note: Due to public outcry, we updated this story to include what many readers consider one of the most definitive snagging songs of all time, Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love,” which seemed so obvious to ICT that it wasn’t included in the original list. Love wins out, as always.
Miles Morrisseau
ICT
It is impossible to make a Valentine’s Day song list that accurately captures the depth of Indigenous love songs. We could do a list of traditional songs, round dance songs, country songs and on and on.
Here are some suggestions that might fit into your Feb. 14 jam sessions — songs about love, loneliness, loss and maybe just straight-up snagging.
‘Come and Get Your Love’
Redbone with Pat and Lolly Vegas, Yaqui/Shoshone descent
As noted, this is a suggested list, but early feedback suggested we left out the greatest snagging classic of all time. So here it is. “Come and Get Your Love,” by the iconic Redbone, is an undeniable banger that continues to connect with listeners across generations. It is even a hit across the universe, as proven in the Marvel movie, “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This classic by the Vegas brothers is as straightforward as it gets and deserves to be considered the ultimate snagging tune.
Hey (hey) it’s your business if you want some, take some
Get it together, baby
Come and get your love
‘Indian Love Song’
Joanne Shenandoah, Oneida Nation, and A. Paul Ortega, Mescalaro Apache
The combination of these two legendary Indigenous artists on an album about love is perfect any time of year. In addition to their unique vocal styles, they accompany each other with their own style of picking, strumming or beating notes of percussion.
“This album is dedicated to all those who are in love, out of love, wanna be in love and dream about love, ” states the album’s liner notes.
There are no other artists listed and what you hear is a live performance of two amazingly talented performers. The songs are spiritual, contemporary, humorous and heartfelt. The opening track sets the stage for the nine tracks to follow. Their guitars and voices are having fun singing a song about two lovers singing by the riverside.
Oh my darling, were you the one by the riverside. Oh my darling, I am sorry that I ran. But my father had other plans
‘It’s Been Awhile’
Big River Cree
The pow wow group carrying their community’s name, Big River Cree from northern Saskatchewan, sings traditional songs as well as their own compositions. Their round dance songs often revolve around themes of love, both unlimited and unrequited. “It’s Been Awhile” is another round-dance song that might be more about snagging than a longterm relationship, but you could say that about a lot of couples
It’s been awhile, Since I seen your smile. It’s been days. Since you felt my loving ways.
‘Broken Arrow’
Robbie Robertson, Mohawk
In this aching gem from his star-studded debut album, Robbie Robertson, the founding member and lead song writer for The Band, burns with desire. The album was produced by Daniel Lanois and had contributions from Bono, Peter Gabriel, The Bodeans, and more. The broken arrow is one of the few uses of Indigenous imagery in his work until then, but these few drops hinted at the storm that would follow in his albums, including “Music for Native Americans” and “Contact from the Underworld of Redboy.”
I want to breathe when you breathe. When you whisper like that hot summer breeze, count the beads of sweat that cover me. Then you show me a sign, this time. Who else is going to give you a broken arrow? Who else is going to give you a bottle of rain?
‘Santa Fe’
Samantha Crain, Choctaw
Samantha Crain is a Choctaw singer/songwriter who tells stories with the kind of exquisite details that connect to listeners in simple and profound ways. Her voice is a wonderfully expressive instrument that is immediately recognizable to her many fans. Her work has been featured in a number of television shows, including “Echo,” “Resident Alien” and the award-winning “Reservation Dogs.” She also provided the music for the film, “Fancy Dance,” featuring Lily Gladstone. In this song Crain is expressing the classic musician’s lament about leaving behind your loved one to head out on tour. It speaks to anyone who has had to travel for work or school or other reasons.
Just ’cause I’m back on the road
It don’t mean your face don’t show
In all my dreams and Oh I’ll be back for you
‘Heart Taker/Owl Dance’
John Trudell, Santee Sioux
This gorgeous expression of love is expressed in Trudell’s intricate language and delivered in his rich, compelling voice, with drum provided by Trudell’s frequent collaborator, “Quiltman” Milton Sahme, Wild Spring/Hopi, and produced by Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer Jackson Browne. Trudell speaks to an Indigenous love and desire that connects to our relationship to the land and our spirituality.
Brown earth color woman
Takes me into the secrets of her sighs
When I step into the brown of her eyes
I find sight of special dreams
‘Ocean (All Night Long)’
Derek Miller, Mohawk
Derek Miller has been dishing out his own bluesy rock filled with Six Nations swagger since the millennium. The noted axe-man can shred with the best of them and twist and shout like a young John Lennon. On his carnal-themed 2006 album, “The Dirty Looks,” Miller crafts “Ocean,” a swooning, snagging anthem that starts slow and builds to a rousing chorus of “all night long.” while his guitar gently wails.
In the breath of a whisper
A moth burns in flames
I swear I surrender
I swear I surrender
Like a lonely heart that mingles
All night long
‘Run it to Ya’
Black Belt Eagle Scout, Swinomish/Inupiaq
Katherine Paul, who performs as Black Belt Eagle Scout, has carved out an interesting niche in the musical landscape, blending heavy metal guitar riffs, folk vocals and her Indigenous identity. “Run it to Ya” is from her 2019 release, “At the Party with My Brown Friends.”
You have eyes just like mine. And your hair, the blackest shine. When I see you, and I notice, what a girl is in this moment
‘Slow Dance’
Jade Turner, Cree
Jade Turner has been turning out radio-friendly country pop for more than a decade and has just released her fourth album. A member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, Turner has continued to grow as both a songwriter and a singer. There is a bit more age in both and the songs reflect that maturity. “Slow Dance” is the song for those who know the fire and know that love is not to be played with.
Will you get what you want and then say goodbye. When you see that I’m broken inside
‘Breathless’
William Prince, Peguis First Nation
His deep-as-a-well baritone was forged in the gospel tents of his youth, and that upbringing was showcased on his 2020 gospel album, “Gospel First Nation.” “Breathless” is from his 2025 debut release, “Earthly Days.” The song immediately introduced Prince as a memorable voice with the songwriting skills to create indelible moments.
‘Cause I never heard a song sung quite like Elvis
Not much beats the sound of the pouring rain
And there’s something in your kiss
Leaves me so helpless
You leave me breathless
‘I can hear you’
Annie Humphrey, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Annie Humphrey’s first album, “The Heron Smiled,” is one of the most stunning debuts from any contemporary artist. The songs are political and personal and sometimes both, as evident in her collaboration with John Trudell, “Spirit Horses.” Other songs address the struggle to connect with spirituality, such as the title track and the impact of addiction on family and community, in “Falling Down and Falling Apart.” “I Can Hear You” is about desire, and the song is delivered bare bones with simple piano and Humphrey’s soft and seductive vocals.
When I sleep won’t you please come to me.
Be silent there is no need to speak.
I can hear you.
‘Pledging my love’
Fawn Wood, Cree/Salish
Fawn Wood is an award-winning singer/songwriter who blends traditional singing with contemporary themes and lyrics. Wood is from a musical family – her father Earl Wood is a member of the Grammy-winning powwow group, Northern Cree, and her sister Tia has released her own music after building a huge following on social media. “Pledging my Love” is a stunning song that showcases Wood’s ethereal voice.
I love you, my baby. I’ll always be true.
Forever and ever. I’ll sing to you.
*Updated: This story has been updated to include additional details.
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