Apsáalooke (Crow) Door Way songs have their origin in the warfare traditions of the Crow. The tribe subscribed to a militaristic viewpoint with men belonging to societies. The societies would travel throughout the encampment and sing their songs describing feats in war, coups, and celebrations. The practices of singing Doorway Songs is carried on at the Annual Crow Fair Celebration with songs representing personal achievements, courtship, loss of love, and encounters with spirits.
Apsáalooke Doorway Songs are the shared intellectual property (IP) of members of the Apsáalooke Nation. If sold or used for financial gain, the shared IP explicitly violates the civil and exclusive rights of the Apsáalooke people. The IP, including lyrics, drum patterns, composition, and vibrations, lives in perpetuity with past, current, and future Apsáalooke members.
