The song "Seminole Wind" by James Taylor tells the story of the Seminole Indians and the destruction of their homeland in the Everglades, Florida, due to human interference and progress. In the first verse, Taylor refers to the historical search for wealth, where men dug for silver and gold, leaving behind empty holes. He then shifts the focus to the Everglades, a region in the south where the black water rolls and the saw grass waves. He mentions the natural beauty and wildlife, like eagles and otters, found in the land of the Seminole Indians. The chorus urges the Seminole wind to blow as if it will never blow again, implying the importance of preserving their culture and heritage. Taylor expresses his longing for the wind, referring to it as a long lost friend. He acknowledges that despite the changes brought by progress, he still recognizes the Seminole wind and its significance. The second verse refers to the impact of progress and flood control on the Everglades. Taylor sings of the draining of the land, which has caused the glades to go dry. He reminisces about his last visit to the swamp, where he listened closely and heard the ghostly cry of Osceola, a famous leader of the Seminole tribe. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the importance of the Seminole wind blowing across the land, from the Okeechobee Lake to Micanopy, another location in Florida associated with the Seminole tribe. The wind is seen as a connection to the home of the Seminole people, as well as to the alligators and gar, which are native to the area. Through "Seminole Wind," James Taylor brings attention to the destruction of the Everglades and the impact it had on the Seminole Indians. He highlights the importance of preserving their culture and homeland, reflecting on the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
