Illegal Alien

Genesis

About Illegal Alien

"Illegal Alien" is a song by English rock band Genesis. It was released as the fourth single from the album Genesis. The song reached No. 46 in the UK charts.


Year:
1999
5:16
173 

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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.

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Genesis

Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently consists of its three longest-tenured members - Tony Banks (keyboards) and Mike Rutherford (bass, guitar), who were founder members; and Phil Collins (vocals, drums), who first joined in 1970. Past members Peter Gabriel (vocals, flute), Steve Hackett (guitar) and Anthony Phillips (guitar), also played major roles in the band in its early years. Genesis are among the top 30 highest-selling recording artists of all time, with approximately 150 million albums sold worldwide. more »

5 fans

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.
Album Appearance
The song is part of Genesis's self-titled album which was also referred by fans as the "Mama" album.
Band Line-Up
During the recording of this album and song, Genesis consisted of Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford.
Song Lyrics
The 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.
Music Video
The 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.
Chart Performance
Despite the controversy, the song reached number 46 on the UK Singles Chart and number 44 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Song Writers
The song is credited to all three band members – Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford.
Music Style
"Illegal Alien," like much of the Genesis album, represents the band's shift from progressive rock towards a more pop-oriented sound.
Singles Position
The song was the fourth single released from the album.
Live Performances
"Illegal Alien" was seldom performed live after the 1984 "Mama" Tour.
Public Perception
The 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.
Music Video Director
The video was directed by Stuart Orme, who has also directed videos for other popular Genesis songs.

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    Illegal Alien

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1984

    Billboard #44


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