[Verse 1]
I don't drink coffee, I take tea my dear
Some extra rice, please, on the side
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
I'm an African in New York

[Verse 2]
See me walking down One Sixteen
Dried fish and cowry tableside
There's pride and beauty in my walk
I'm an African in New York

[Chorus]
I'm an alien, I'm a legal Alien
I'm an African in New York
I'm an alien, I'm a legal Alien
I'm an African in New York

[Verse 3]
I drive my taxi down grand avenues
They always ask me where I'm from
Is it that sad place that's in the news?
And is that the reason why i've come?

[Chorus]
I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an African in New York
I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an African in New York
[Bridge]
Modesty, propriety
I'm not the only one
Gentleness, sobriety
Shines brighter than the sun

[Verse 4]
"Fais comme chez toi sans oublier...", they said
Even though you're here to stay
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they say

[Chorus]
I'm an African
I'm an African
I'm an African