Hundreds of residents filled the Broken Arrow, OK Planning Commission chamber, with crowds lining the walls and spilling into overflow rooms, as public comment and a vote took place on whether to approve or deny the development of an Islamic temple in the Tulsa suburb. pic.twitter.com/jUoO2DNgw6
— The Oklahoma Lion (@TheOklahomaLion) December 19, 2025
"Broken Arrow" by Robbie Robertson, 1987.
"Broken Arrow" was later popularized by English singer-songwriter Rod Stewart, who included a cover of the track on his 1991 album Vagabond Heart.
Starting in 1993, the Grateful Dead began to incorporate the song into their live setlists at the suggestion of their bassist Phil Lesh.
The lyrics.
Meaning of "Broken Arrow." In the context of Robertson's song, "Broken Arrow" is about restoration through love.
Symbol of Peace: In Native American culture, a broken arrow represents peace and the end of conflict. It signifies a desire for harmony and reconciliation.
Symbol of Hope: The "bottle of rain" is often interpreted as a metaphor for life and renewal. It suggests nurturing and the promise of better times.
"Broken Arrow" has other meanings depending on the context:
Military Meanings
Nuclear Weapon Accident (Most Common Modern Usage)
In U.S. military terminology, "Broken Arrow" refers to an accidental event involving nuclear weapons, warheads, or components that does not risk nuclear war. This includes incidents like accidental launching, firing, detonation (non-nuclear), theft, or loss of a weapon. The Department of Defense has officially documented at least 32 such "Broken Arrow" incidents since the 1950s, with some weapons never recovered (e.g., lost at sea). No incident has caused a nuclear explosion, thanks to safety mechanisms.
Dire Tactical Situation (Vietnam War Era)
During the Vietnam War, "Broken Arrow" was a radio code phrase signaling that a U.S. ground unit was in danger of being overrun by enemy forces. It directed all available combat aircraft in the area to provide immediate air support, even "danger close" strikes near friendly positions. It was famously used during the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang (depicted in the book and film We Were Soldiers). This usage appears limited to Vietnam and is not a standard modern term for the same situation.
Other Contexts
1996 Action Film
Broken Arrow is a John Woo-directed thriller starring John Travolta and Christian Slater, about the theft of nuclear warheads. The title borrows the nuclear accident term, though the plot involves intentional theft (which would technically be "Empty Quiver" in real terminology).
1950 Western Film
An earlier film titled Broken Arrow, starring James Stewart, portrays a more sympathetic view of Native Americans and peace efforts (a "broken arrow" symbolically means peace in some Native traditions).
City in Oklahoma
Broken Arrow is a suburb of Tulsa, named after a Muscogee (Creek) tribal town, referencing the historical practice of breaking arrows to signify peace or from gathering materials
Slang/Informal Uses
Occasionally appears in urban slang (e.g., calling for urgent help in non-military situations) or niche contexts, but these are not widespread.
The nuclear accident definition is the most recognized in current military and public discourse, while the Vietnam-era tactical meaning is historical and often confused with it due to media portrayals.
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