Illegal Alien
Genesis
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Got out of bed, wasn't feeling too good With my wallet and my passport, a new pair of shoes The sun is shining so I head for the park, With a bottle of Tequila, and a new pack of cigarettes I got a cousin and she got a friend, Who thought that her aunt knew a man who could help At his apartment I knocked on the door, He wouldn't come out until he got paid. Now don't tell anybody what I wanna do If they find out you know that they'll never let me through. It's no fun being an illegal alien It's no fun being an illegal alien Down at the office had to fill out the forms A pink one, a red one, the colours you choose, Up to the counter to see what they think They said 'It doesn't count man, it ain't written in ink'. Don't trust anybody least not around here, cause It's not fun being an illegal alien, It's not fun being an illegal alien, It's not fun being an illegal alien, It's not fun being an illegal alien, An illegal alien, O.K. Consideration for your fellow man Wouldn't hurt anybody, sure fits in with my plan Over the border, there lies the promised land So don't tell anybody what I wanna do If they find out you know that they'll never let me through. It's no fun being an illegal alien, It's no fun being an illegal alien, It's no fun being an illegal alien, It's no fun being an illegal alien.
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Written by: Michael Rutherford, Phil Collins, Tony Banks
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Release Date"Illegal Alien" is a song by the British band Genesis and it was released in 1983.
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Album AppearanceThe song is part of Genesis's self-titled album which was also referred by fans as the "Mama" album.
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Band Line-UpDuring the recording of this album and song, Genesis consisted of Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford.
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Song LyricsThe lyrics of "Illegal Alien" were found controversial by some as it addresses the issues faced by illegal immigrants trying to enter the United States and was viewed by some as fostering negative stereotypes.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Illegal Alien" highlighted the song's controversial lyrics. It featured the band members dressed as stereotypical Mexican immigrants trying to cross the US-Mexico border.
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Chart PerformanceDespite the controversy, the song reached number 46 on the UK Singles Chart and number 44 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Song WritersThe song is credited to all three band members – Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford.
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Music Style"Illegal Alien," like much of the Genesis album, represents the band's shift from progressive rock towards a more pop-oriented sound.
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Singles PositionThe song was the fourth single released from the album.
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Live Performances"Illegal Alien" was seldom performed live after the 1984 "Mama" Tour.
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Public PerceptionThe song, while popular in some circles, has also been critiqued for its partial comedic take on a serious issue. The comedic elements seemed out of place considering the band's previous more introspective material.
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Music Video DirectorThe video was directed by Stuart Orme, who has also directed videos for other popular Genesis songs.
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Citation
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"Illegal Alien Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28802315/Genesis/Illegal+Alien>.
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