DougBelsheisapublished author.Whenheandhiswife, Iris, lived at Lake Texoma, he was so impressed with the beauty of the area that he wrote a song about Lake Texoma.
He wrote 'Where the Washita meets the Red' while living in Lake Texoma as a tribute to the Chickasaw Indians who settled the land when it was Indian Territory. However, it wasn't till after Iris passed away and Belshe moved to Moore, Okla. to be closer to his family that his song was recorded on demo. The song can be heard on Belshe's YouTube channel.
Even though the lyrics are under copyright, Belshe said he wanted to share the lyrics with Marshall County residents.
Where the Washita meets the Red ThereisaplaceinOklahoma, where two rivers meet, A part of God’s country, called the Washita Retreat It once was Indian Territory where the Chickasaws made their beds, On the banks of two mighty rivers, the Washita and the Red.
A lake now hides the rivers’ banks down under some sixty feet, Where the blue cats and the stripers swim down in the deep Giant oak trees shade the shoreline and give the eagles rest, Wild turkeys and scissortails nestle in their nest.
Chickasaws, mighty Chickasaws, this is your land, that I call home I hear your voices in the wind and feel the touch of your outstretched hands.
You blazed the trail, you shed your tears, you thrust your spear into this red sand.
You can proudly say, “This is Chickasaw land.”
The spirit of the Chickasaws moves with the summer breeze, Along the paths they once walked, amongst these giant oak trees And when I see a Red Tail Hawk it takes me back more than a hundred years And I think about their long journey, over the Trail of Tears Chickasaws, mighty Chickasaws, this is your land, that I call home I hear your voices in the wind and feel the touch of your outstretched hands.
You blazed the trail, you shed your tears, you thrust your spear into this red sand. You can proudly say, “This is Chickasaw land.” I hope their spirits will welcome me, when it is time to lay down my head In this beautiful, beautiful land, Where the Washita Meets the Red. In this beautiful, beautiful land, Where the Washita Meets the Red.