The song "Comanche" by Johnny Horton tells the story of a horse named Comanche who was involved in the famous battle known as Custer's Last Stand. The battle took place at Little Bighorn in 1876, where General George Armstrong Custer and his men fought against Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. The lyrics describe how the battle was over, and taps (a military bugle call) were played in honor of the brave men who had died. Among the fallen soldiers, there was one lone survivor, who was wounded and weak. This survivor was Comanche, the brave horse who had fought alongside the soldiers. The song acknowledges Comanche's bravery and acknowledges that even the greatest warriors sometimes fall in battle. The lyrics mention Comanche's silent nature but highlight that his deeds spoke loudly. If his fellow soldiers could see him, they would be proud of his bravery. Comanche is portrayed as a symbol of bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being battle-scarred and torn, the horse gave his all in the fight. The song acknowledges and honors Comanche's efforts and serves as a tribute to the heroism of both the horse and the soldiers who fought in Custer's Last Stand.
