Foreigner [Song]

Uploaded by cool4rocknroll
FOREIGNER
By Lord Nelson
Arranged by Clive Bradley
Album: Black Gold | Charlies | T&T 1978

I don't mind when they try to treat me unkind
And take away what is mine,
These are things I could put behind
But I demand respect from the countryman
Who at least they should understand
In a way, I'm an alien, partisan?

Man, you believe, mih own people call me foreigner, foreigner? [Foreigner, foreigner]

For everyone who doubt I'm a native son
Both my parents are dead and gone
In Tobago where I was born. Bless they soul!
Without a doubt anything that you talking 'bout
In my country from North or South
I could walk straight and point it out. Shut yuh mouth!!

Man, understand, you should shame to call me foreigner, foreigner. [Foreigner, foreigner]

I was around when they now bring trolley in town
And tram car running up and down
'Round the Savannah 'round and 'round [Round and round]
I was there when the preacher they call Nose Gay
Beg them crucify him up dey
Is I wey run to drag him away. So wey yuh say?

Man, in my land, Immigration stamps me foreigner, foreigner. [Foreigner, foreigner]

[Who?] Who else go know but a man born in Tobago
Who see big jacks and bonito does just stay so and jump ashore
[Who?] And who again will know soucouyant and douen
And la diablesse walking like men
Telling you go, come leh we go. Mama yo!

So I come, so I go, but don't ever call me foreigner, foreigner. [Foreigner, foreigner]

I spread my culture where I go [Foreigner, foreigner]
But don't ever call me foreigner. [Foreigner, foreigner]

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance!
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A Note From The Gull

Thank you, Lord Nelson! Wow, wow, wow! Chills ran up and down my spine. I've heard about scales falling off your eyes but how do you describe hearing something with new ears and being blown away by its revelations? Excellent music, excellent lyrics, excellent delivery. This is a masterpiece!

I dedicate this song to all people in T&T who are made to feel for whatever reason, that they are foreigners in their own land, but especially to those who are dismissed as "foreigners" because they dare to live and to share their vision of what T&T should be.

Phillip, this one is for you.

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare