We were having an argument recently, Sofie and I, about the problems of illegal immigrants, especially those attempting to smuggle into the UK from ports such as Calais. Her argument was simple; send the whole lot back where they came from. But what if their homes and livelihoods are destroyed and their countries in turmoil? In any case, even if they are ‘economic migrants’ who can blame them wanting to improve their chances in Europe or the USA, etc? Of course, there are no easy solutions.

However, I did some checking and was amazed to discover the vast and growing extent of the problem. According to the Guardian website, ‘The total number of people forcibly displaced worldwide has reached 45.2m people, the highest level in almost 20 years, according to a report published today by the UN’s High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).’

To ease our consciences we tend to demonise anyone attempting to move here, for whatever reason however genuine, but the true reasons are usually complex. We should also not forget that most Europeans have very mixed parentage going back centuries. It may be self evident that a relatively small country like Britain cannot sustain immigration indefinitely and restrictions must be imposed, but let’s not forget most of these people work hard and contribute a great deal (which many of our indigenous population do not).

Anyway, here’s my musical take on the problem:

 

NOBODY WANTS THE REFUGEE

Nobody wants the refugee, drifting on a restless sea,

Hopes and dreams are sinking fast – a better life is all he asks.

No one hears his desperate cry, as the ship goes down and many die.

But who can point the finger of blame,

At a hungry man calling out in vain?

 

Nobody wants the refugee, though he’s no different to you or me.

Skin and bone – heart and soul,

Head hung down with a begging bowl.

Maybe tonight he can rest his head,

Away from those who’d shoot him dead.

And in the morning – anything goes.

Gotta keep on moving, down a lonesome road.

 

Nobody wants the refugee, in no-man’s land on live TV.

Or at the gates fighting to get in,

With his stranger’s ways and weather beaten skin.

Cause you never know – life isn’t fair,

He’ll take what’s ours – and leave none to spare.

Better now to turn him around,

Back where he came from onto stony ground.

 

Nobody wants the refugee, his ragged clothes and hard luck story.

His broken home – or motherless child.

We got our own problems – not reconciled.

But one of these days – gonna have to face,

We’re all a part of one human race.

And you never know, maybe you or me,

Could be a-drifting on a restless sea.

Could be a-drifting as a refugee.