(throughout the verses there are “humba humba” sounds in the
background)
G C G
1. On the banks of the river stood Runnin' Bear, young Indian brave,
A7 D
on
the other side of the river stood his lovely Indian maid.
G C G
Little White Dove was-a her
name, such a lovely sight to see,
D G
but
their tribes fought with each other, so their love could never be.
C G D G
Runnin' Bear loved Little White Dove with a love big as the sky,
C G D G
Runnin' Bear loved Little White Dove with a love that couldn't die.
G C G
2. He couldn't swim the raging river, 'cause the river was too wide,
A7
D
he couldn't
reach Little White Dove waiting on the other side.
G
C G
In the moonlight he could see
her throwing kisses across the waves,
D G
her little
heart was beating faster waiting for her Indian brave.
+ CHORUS
G C G
3. Runnin' Bear dove in the water, Little
White Dove did the same,
A7 D
and
they swam out to each other, through the swirling stream they came.
G
C G
As their hands touched and their lips met the ragin'
river pulled them down,
D G
now
they'll always be together in that happy hunting ground.
+ CHORUS + Em - G - Em - G - Em - G
(Sonny James)