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Illegal Alien (song)
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| "Illegal Alien" | |||||
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| Single by Genesis from the album Genesis |
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| Released | February 1984 (USA)(UK) | ||||
| Format | 7", 12" | ||||
| Recorded | 1982- 1983 | ||||
| Genre | Pop rock | ||||
| Length | 5:14 | ||||
| Label | Atlantic, Virgin, Vertigo | ||||
| Producer | Genesis, Hugh Padgham | ||||
| Genesis singles chronology | |||||
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| Genesis track listing | |||||
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Illegal Alien, is the 5th track in the 1983 album Genesis by Genesis.
The single included a live version of Turn it on Again as the B-side.
The song's lyrics are a lighter, humourous depiction of the frustrations an illegal immigrant faces, leading up to the chorus: "It's no fun/Being an illegal alien". Even though the lyrics are intended as a satire and to be taken in jest, the song can rarely be heard on United States radio stations because of its perceived offensiveness toward immigrants. In particular, the second stanza of the bridge — in which the immigrant suggestively offers sexual favours from his sister in exchange for admittance across the border — has been edited from radio versions of the song, as well as from the music video version.
Even though Illegal Alien isn't as popular as other Genesis songs, it still managed to make Blender magazine's list of the 50 Worst Songs Ever, charting at number 13. When Blender partnered with VH1 for the 100 Most Awesomely Bad Songs Ever though, this song was notably absent.
The video uses stereotypical, and potentially offensive imagery, such as Mexicans drinking, sleeping, playing music and wearing huge sombreros.
- Phil Collins - drums, percussion, vocals
- Tony Banks - keyboards, backing vocals
- Mike Rutherford - guitars, bass guitar, backing vocals
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