Venezuelan In New York

King Chango's song "Venezuelan In New York" is a vibrant and poignant exploration of the immigrant experience, particularly focusing on the life of a Venezuelan living in New York City. The lyrics blend Spanish and English, reflecting the duality of the immigrant's identity and the cultural fusion that characterizes their daily life. The song opens with a declaration of cultural preferences, such as drinking coffee instead of tea and eating traditional Venezuelan foods like arepas and pabellón. This sets the stage for a narrative that is deeply rooted in the artist's heritage while navigating a new and often challenging environment.

The recurring refrain, "I'm an alien, I'm an illegal alien, emigrante ilegal en New York," underscores the sense of otherness and the precarious legal status that many immigrants face. The song vividly describes the fear and anxiety of living as an undocumented immigrant, constantly hiding from immigration authorities and dealing with the threat of deportation. The lyrics also touch on the various ways immigrants arrive in the United States, whether by plane, donkey, or truck, highlighting the diverse and often perilous journeys they undertake in search of a better life.

King Chango also addresses the systemic abuse and discrimination that immigrants endure, with lines about police brutality and the lack of media coverage for the violence against them. The song calls for resilience and self-acceptance, urging listeners to "be yourself, no importa what they say." This message is reinforced with references to Yemayá, a deity in the Afro-Caribbean religion, seeking her protection and strength. The song's blend of cultural pride, social commentary, and calls for solidarity make it a powerful anthem for immigrants everywhere, capturing both the struggles and the indomitable spirit of those who leave their homelands in search of a better future.