Alien - Gil Scott-Heron

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.