Lyrics Alien - Gil Scott-Heron

Alien

Midnight near the border trying to cross the Rio Grande
Runnin' with coyotes to where the streets are paved with gold
You’re diving underwater when you hear the helicopters
Knowing it’s all been less than worthless if you run into patrols
Hiding in the shadows, so scared you want to scream
But you dare not make a sound if you want to hold on to your dreams
Hold on.
Though it may not be a lot, you got to
Hold on.
Cause you know it’s all you got
No matter the consequences or the fear that grips your senses
You have got to hold on to your dreams.
City of the Angels with its bright light fascination
Only adds to the confusion that your mind must now endure
The gringos take advantage when they know that you’re illegal
Bot you void la policía like a plague that can’t be cured
Paying la mordida you find out just what pollo means
But you dare not file complaints if you want to hold on to your dreams
Hold on.
Though it may not be a lot, you got to
Hold on.
Cause you know it’s all you got
No matter the consequences or the fear that grips your senses
You have got to hold on to your dreams.
Down at Western Union sending cash back to your family
Or drinking down cerveza where the lights are very low
Your mind may start to wander when you think about your village
Or the woman that you love so much who’s still in Mexico
At just two bucks an hour there is little to redeem this life
Except that in your mind you’re tryin' to hold on to your dreams
Hold on.
Though it may not be a lot, you got to
Hold on.
Cause you know it’s all you got
No matter the consequences or the fear that grips your senses
You have got to hold on to your dreams.