Half Breed

Cher's song 'Half Breed' delves into the complex and often painful experience of growing up as a person of mixed heritage. The lyrics tell the story of a protagonist whose father is a pure Cherokee and whose mother belongs to a different ethnic group. This mixed heritage places the protagonist in a difficult position, as she faces rejection and prejudice from both sides. The Native American community sees her as 'white by law,' while the white community derogatorily calls her 'Indian Squaw.' This dual rejection highlights the protagonist's struggle to find acceptance and a sense of belonging.

The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, as it repeats the word 'Half-breed,' a term that the protagonist has come to hate. This word symbolizes the constant reminder of her divided identity and the societal rejection she faces. The lyrics 'Both sides were against me since the day I was born' emphasize the protagonist's lifelong battle with her identity and the prejudice she encounters from both communities. The song captures the emotional toll of being caught between two worlds and the loneliness that comes with it.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist's life has been marked by instability and a lack of acceptance. Moving from town to town, she never finds a place where she truly belongs. The line 'We weren't accepted and I felt ashamed' encapsulates the internalized shame and the struggle for self-acceptance. By the age of nineteen, she leaves her family, but the scars of her upbringing continue to affect her relationships and sense of self. The song ends on a somber note, acknowledging that she cannot escape her identity, no matter how much she tries to run from it. Cher's 'Half Breed' is a powerful exploration of the challenges faced by those of mixed heritage, shedding light on the emotional and social struggles that come with it.