Neil Sedaka - The Immigrant (1981, Canada)

Artist: Neil Sedaka / Song: The Immigrant
Neil Sedaka performs the song "The Immigrant" in Canada in 1981.
LYRICS
Harbours open there doors to the young searching foreigner
Come to live in the light of the big L of liberty
Plains and open skies bill boards would advertise
Was it anything like that when you arrived
Dream boats carried the future to the heart of America
People were waiting in line for a place by the river
It was time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play they tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune and there was so much room
That people could come from everywhere
Now he arrvies with hopes and his heart set on miracles
Come to marry his fortune with a hand full of promises
To find they've closed the door they don't want him anymore
There isn't anymore to go around
Turning away he remembers he once heard a legend
That spoke of a mystical magical land called America
It was time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play they tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune and there was so much room
That people could come from everywhere
It was time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play they tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune and there was so much room
That people could come from everywhere
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#neilsedaka

[@edwinflower]

My Father introduced me to the legend that is Neil Sedaka. Finally got to see him live in concert. Thank you Dad and thank you Neil. You’re both legends to me.

[@sdne1959]

One of the most beautiful, underrated songs of Neil Sedaka's entire career......

[@rickpeuser233]

Absolutely agree. I get chills everytime I listen to it.

[@TheGreatPresenter]

I don't think he was ever underrated. This is a very beautiful and very relevant song in 2019

[@zannajoyce6698]

I remember the effect it had on me the first time I heard it. A few years ago I finally visited New York. In a boat approaching the Statue of Liberty I imagined being a young Irish girl seeing that after a long crossing, with this song playing in my mind. Powerful.

[@joeyconvery2055]

Neil's voice is always amazing.

[@patriciamcintyre1944]

I so agree. It's even more powerful in this day and age!!

[@PaulMartin-pb3io]

“I wrote a song called “The Immigrant” for my friend John Lennon during his immigration battles in the 1970s. I’ll never forget when I called to tell him about it. Overwhelmed by the gesture, he said, ‘Normally people only call me when they want something. It’s very seldom people call you to give you something. It’s beautiful.’” - Neil Sedaka

[@DMSJagXK]

It was dedicated by Neil Sedaka to John Lennon but the lyrics were actually written by Phil Cody and were about his Italian father entering America.

[@robertmcginness4610]

God bless I've always loved your song, & with your daughter. I fear for today's immigrants as I see a downward trajectory in America. I a US citizen, have been treated as a non person / refugee in my own US. I fear my experience will in time translate to other Americans, & immigrants. My gut feeling. God bless

[@robertmcginness4610]

I liked The other Neil's song ie N. Diamond's Coming to America, for the same reasons, house defrauded/ homeless/ gulaged/ left 4 dead/ slave/ etc. Non person. I see myself as the pervebial " canary In the coal mine.". All true. I heard an awful unsubstantiated vocal word about slavery in Northern California. Anything is possible as it seems many hearts 💕 have grown cold. And as I've experienced it all my life as a bit dark irish/ medditeranian American I have grat empathy for everyone, as even the rich will have much to answer for, as I if I don't speak, & speak the truth. God bless Bob

[@Ladylovemm]

@@DMSJagXK... but he mentioned Magical Mystery... a Beatle song.

[@DMSJagXK]

@@Ladylovemm I don't understand what your comment to me has anything to do with my comment. My point was that Neil Sedaka did not WRITE the song, he recorded it and dedicated his recording of the song to John Lennon.

[@dougfriendly7676]

Under appreciated song and under appreciated artist. This song is even more appropriate today than the day he wrote it.

[@mga2899]

All four of my grandparents emigrated from Eastern Europe and landed at Ellis Island as children in the very early twentieth century. Only families and individuals financially able were welcome to enter and health restrictions were stringently enforced.

[@rwboa22]

Same here, except it was my paternal grandmother's parents (from Austria-controlled Galicia and Lodermeria, now Sub-Carpathian Poland). My mother's ancestors (from the Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria, and England) pre-dated the American Revolution.

[@TheJules1003]

I love Neil Sadakas songs and this particular song rings a bell to many immigrants past and present. We are all descendants of immigrants.

[@lynnysumner4588]

this song was written for John Lennon

[@DMSJagXK]

@@lynnysumner4588 It was dedicated by Neil Sedaka to John Lennon but the lyrics were actually written by Phil Cody and were about his Italian father entering America.

[@robertcatesby8420]

I can't count how many great songs this man has written and he's still great!

[@jefroe10]

+Robert Catesby totally underrated...And the greatest 'live' act I've ever seen..even at 69,with an orchestrsa,here in Perth Western Australia

[@richarddubois5226]

With Neil Sedaka song s there is a gem around every corner. Neil has written , played and sung some awesome songs.

[@joeyconvery2055]

Neil has one of the most Beautiful tenor voices of all time...effortless.

[@tenerifecats6652]

With the sadness and heartbreak of how immigrants are being treated in this country; I was reminded of this beautiful song written by a beautiful man with a huge warm heart. I pray so hard for our country that we could learn to be gracious and loving to those seeking a better life in this country we call America! Was going to post this to my FB; but I'm just tired of the hatred spewing from people I had thought were better. Thanks Neil! Still listening to his daily-ish mini concerts he has hosted since the Pandemic shut down; we need a song to bring people back to their common sense and love of being Americans and treating people well!

[@MattieMc]

Yes I hear you. When did all this hate come back to life. I have had to cut off some friends, some family. People who I never would have thought they were just so mean and ugly. We need immigrants. Always have always will. They make America a stronger, better nation. These folks that complain and say immigrants are criminals, it's just a load of you know what. Every nationality, every ethnic group, that has come to America over years past has had some bad apples. That usually gets ironed out. When public figures have said, out loud, that cruelty is the point, well at least we know who the problem is. Take care my friend. Just watched an interview on the Morning Joe Show with Joe and Neil Sedaka. It was great. It was on the MSNBC network. It will probably come up on KZbin within a day or two. Or on MSNBC website.

[@thomasmagnum3588]

@@MattieMc wait a minute. You watch MSNBC and wonder “when did all this hate come back to life”?!? Oh that is too rich. Thank you.

[@MattieMc]

@@thomasmagnum3588 You know what's funny about MSNBC? Most of there hosts and guests are conservatives and were Republicans until trump stole the election. Joe Scarborough is a very conservative ex-Republican Congressman. A lot of the hosts and guests have worked for Republican presidents or causes in the past. I resigned from the Republican party after 45yrs. The Republicans today are wimps. They have been overrun by the magas. A small minority of extreme people who can only stir up hate and violence. And they spread it around. Their hero is that sick dude trump. He's a hater. He promotes violence. Now trump is a convicted sexual abuser. I'm surprised that Fox news even reported that tonight. I don't know how many times I watched news worthy events live and Fox never even mentioned it. I watch both sides of news, liberal and conservative. I read both sides of the news liberal and conservative. I don't bother with the whacked out, crazy sources that are just trying to make money off of made up bullshit. Those are the haters. Mostly uneducated, can't read, can't reason. without even a drop of common sense. These haters aren't the first to show up in American or world history. They will be dealt with and receive appropriate justice thru our system based on the rule of law. And the simplest way, is to vote the rascals out. I hope trump runs for president again, that way the good guys, can keep beating trump and his haters until they go back and hide under the rock they slithered out from under. We've just got to keep trump out of jail, just long enough so he can endorse all the losers and haters. Which will allow the good guys to gain an overwhelmingly majority and get back to making more improvements to an already great country. Good luck son.

[@lonewolf4429]

Immigrants who obey the law are generally treated just fine, but people are correctly resentful of those who come illegally and then demand free housing and healthcare. If immigrants are treated badly they can always go home, they came here by choice. Better yet why don't YOU be gracious and let an immigrant family live with you?

[@lonewolf4429]

@@MattieMcThis "hate" you speak of came back to life when hard working immigrants who contributed to society were replaced by illegal immigrants who smuggle drugs, commit crimes and demand freebies from American taxpayers. So how many can you take in? No? You're mean and ugly.

[@vanislefan]

I first heard this at a night club in around 1975 and the group played this just beautifully, but I had no idea who wrote it at all. But the song just blew me away and I still love it as much as then. Touching lyrics , a real blockbuster, in my view.

[@russelldd]

vanislefan That is what I believe music should do. Grab hold of you and make you feel.

[@NicOatridge]

Neil Sedaka did so many great songs, but here he speaks with passion about what makes America great. Kudos.

[@sara35ish]

Neil Sedaka has the most amazing voice. Love his songs. He is so talented .

[@user-cl7tt7xv7y]

He sure does. I love his music.

[@spambedam]

Such a beautiful insightful classic. My parents immigrated from Europe and though I was born here, theirs is my story too. Thanks for coming to America Ma and Pa. It was a time when strangers were welcome here. Music would play, they tell me the days were sweet and clear. There was so much room. People could come from everywhere. Thanks Neil. You captured the story perfectly.

[@deankeith2507]

I think the point of the song is that strangers are no longer welcome !

[@suzannerodriguez8600]

@DEAN KEITH , yes. That is the very sad point of the song. I actually wrote to Mr. Sedaka two years ago about this song, never expecting a response. What an incredibly pleasant surprise I received the very next day. A lovely letter from him!

[@opera888able]

What a brilliant piece of song writing this is. Perfect pop tune with something to say.

[@kentlewis987]

Even more relevant in 2019...

[@cookingnotes]

I forgot how great he was , there is nothing today that compares to this music this has deep meaning into life .

[@fool4singing]

After 2000, lyrics and melody started becoming extinct in popular music,..it's sad. Thank God we have these old recordings.

[@cookingnotes]

Amen.

[@joeyconvery2055]

cookingnotes 👍

[@dustylover100]

There is too much flavor of the month artists now. Music like this endures. Job well done Neil!

[@robwilkinson11]

Heard this song for the first time ever today, thanks to Ken Bruce on BBC radio 2. What a song.

[@joyceburns5085]

Exactly where I was reminded of this wonderful tune! Thanks Ken x

[@babbydiab2049]

I remember this song very well from the 70s...one of my favorites from Neil's album, "Sedaka's Back." Loved it so much, and still enjoy hearing it!!!

[@1060michaelg]

Man, talk about a prophetic song...much more relevant today than then! Recently I wept as I saw Mexican school children coming home from school and finding their houses empty!! America, what happened to you?

[@jeffreyrobinson9421]

Just wonderful. This man is so full of talent, great singer, awesome song writer and brilliant pianist. Song sends shivers up my spine each time I hear it. The whole concert this comes from is equally as excellent. Thanks for the upload!

[@lisacassar7040]

when i hear this song i think of john lennon & charlie chaplin , from both of these men we have much to be grateful for

[@mji71]

Sad this absolute masterpiece has so little recognition! Godspeed Sedaka!

[@CugateMedia]

Neil Sedaka's 'The Immigrant' is a true masterpiece that deserves more recognition. It's a powerful and beautiful song, and I hope more people discover its brilliance. Godspeed, indeed!

[@meekorouse]

Just heard him perform this on “Morning Joe” & wanted to hear it completely. Beautiful & still relevant.

[@CugateMedia]

Neil Sedaka's performance of "The Immigrant" is a heartfelt masterpiece. Its enduring relevance serves as a reminder of the power of music to convey important messages. 🎤❤️

[@ginamaurizio767]

I can really identify myself with this great and beautiful song of Neil Sedaka when I arrived in the US in 1976; in fact, so many immigrants, specially venezuelans, can relate to it, past and present. Thank you you master !!

[@freeforall1394]

What an American gem Sedaka is...absolute talent and congeniality.

[@thehobbster6367]

Always love this, should do reunion with Carol King in Vegas, he taught her song writing skills which she owes him props for that and has never given. Beautiful song Mr Sedaka.

[@Jetsanna]

I took my MIL to the first ever concert in her life to see Neil Sedaka. It's still the best thing I have seen in 5 years. And I've seen dozens in that time.

[@patrickjordan5633]

Beautifully DARK song. Pretty much told the US that it isn't at all what it used to be. Gotta give him credit. Any age can listen to this song.

[@cehayes74]

I recently visited Ellis Island & definitely enjoyed myself, I played this song 🎶 while I was there enjoying the nice weather !!!

[@lin8eastnz]

Another beautiful song of Neil Sedaka he was so under rated i grew up listening to all of his songs in the early to mid seventies :)

[@ysgol3]

What a WONDERFUl artist Neil is. Huge talent combined with great principle. Neil, I'm glad you came along.

[@johnnyfoley5788]

This is song is about John lennon when he was fighting to stay in America but it has so much more meaning to it, I think that it highlights the men and women who were denied entry to the United States and the sorrow they felt, its just a great and amazing song.

[@ekrimmer]

I did NOT know that. Thank you! Always loved this song.

[@arnoldarnold1034]

Hate to tell you, Lennon was not a shining example of a valued immigrant. Thank you.

[@patsmith1497]

@@arnoldarnold1034 I read he was denied citizenship because of his drug usage.

[@chrisgriffin9164]

The timeline from this song and Lennon's are too Wildly gapped within fame and generation.

[@thomclemmer2443]

music that we could learn from to-day ...2016

[@rexrussell3433]

Good to see so many others thinking of this song in these troubling days! I sure wish politicians could be subjected to a good public mouth-washing with a soapy rag when they talk such trash as Trump does!

[@elkalabaw7665]

neil dedicated this song to john lennon.

[@TheDavidbooth]

Meaning come to America legally!

[@805livin4]

“Now he arrives with his hopes and heart set on miracles” makes me think of my Dad

[@beeweejr]

still a Sedaka favorite.

[@tommytee8387]

The Words are beautiful very poignant…Sedaka is still very much underrated…

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

Amazing performance captured from the mixing board in well panned STEREO. I haven't heard this since probably 1976. BEAUTIFUL. We could learn a lesson from this.

[@shellwells9703]

Voice gives me goose bumps. If only people would listen.

[@CugateMedia]

Neil Sedaka's voice is incredibly moving. It's a reminder that music has the power to connect with our emotions and bring people together if we only take the time to listen.

[@joannethibault6016]

My family immigrated from The Netherlands in 1950. Similar to Neil Diamond's America about his family immigrating from the Ukraine. Everyone is an immigrant unless you're INdigenous.

[@phaarqueue4876]

Phaarque Me this dude is TONE PERFECT!!!

[@mrssb9111]

This song makes me so sad. It's beautiful, but sad.

[@MrWmburr7]

What a great song; wow! I've never heard him sing this. I guess since it probably didn't fit in with his pop hits, it didn't get much coverage. He really did have quite a wide range of musical talent.

[@user-nj8ff8iy4o]

This guy is a proper musician the best of all time

[@johndoe8030]

Just a amazing song.

[@kathywhitaker11]

Beautiful song,amazing lyrics,effortless voice,heart lifted!

[@CugateMedia]

It's a special song indeed! Neil Sedaka's "The Immigrant" carries a unique beauty with amazing lyrics, and his effortless voice creates a mesmerizing experience. 🌺🎵

[@kimblandino8461]

His best song I was nineteen and bet not one in a million now know who and what this song was about!!

[@CugateMedia]

We are happy to read that! Thank you Mr. Blandino!

[@ekrimmer]

Was taking advantage of Apple Music and remembered I no longer had a copy of this so I grabbed it. So very very relevant these days...

[@rickw1100]

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame anyone?

[@esthers333]

Tears 😭 what a song perfectly describes it

[@CugateMedia]

The emotional power of Neil Sedaka's 'The Immigrant' is truly something else. It has a way of reaching deep within. Your tears are a testament to the song's ability to perfectly capture those poignant moments. 🎶😭

[@mattbutts8794]

This song is more important now than ever.

[@hammerthor6441]

Why?

[@TheGreatPresenter]

@@hammerthor6441 Border controls.

[@hammerthor6441]

We've always had border controls. Just that now it's a full scale invasion force at our southern border.

[@hammerthor6441]

Until 1960 immigration laws were much more strict. Look it up for when the great migration took place. 1910-1914.

[@TheGreatPresenter]

@@hammerthor6441 Always? Is this from 1776 or before?

[@maryraja5948]

love this song.....what a talent!!!

[@gschady]

Thank you Neil .. I tear up knowing my family arrived in 1864 and found a"promised land" as you eloquently portrayed in song and sound

[@michaelhuelskamp779]

So poignant and beautiful......I so miss this time,,,,,,,

[@davidpenn9396]

Great Song Neil Sedaka Rocks!!!

[@CugateMedia]

Neil Sedaka is a rock and roll legend, and 'The Immigrant' is a testament to his musical prowess. Great to see others appreciating his music!

[@Dragonfly6160]

Terrific songwriter and singer.

[@sallygriffith8557]

Two beautiful songs came out around 1976 with our countries 200 year old birthday. Neil Sedaka song “immigrant” and Greenwoods God bless the USA. Both songs touching! You need to hear the original songs, not done by others.

[@rpegg1768]

What a lovelely song, what alovely man

[@leannelayton9431]

Not only a good song - but good lyrics too!! A clever song

[@alkarencanby7889]

Thank you.

[@howiejohnsonm.b.e3197]

One of the greatest tunesmith's ever!

[@CugateMedia]

Neil Sedaka's legacy as one of the greatest tunesmiths is unquestionable, and "The Immigrant" is a shining example of his songwriting genius. The enduring appeal of his melodies is a testament to his unmatched talent. 🎶🌹

[@Alvin4NY]

For JOHN LENNON. IMAGINE...NOW

[@rcstafford1]

sad how times have changed....f

[@hammerthor6441]

Yeah, now they come here to leech off the working people and bring drugs and mayhem into our country.

[@mcfrdmn]

Wonderful song and excellent musical performance !

[@chadking5667]

Fantastic & emotionally moving lyrics very apropos in todays day & age just a marvelous song that resonates the times!!!

[@TheLifeEvents]

Brilliant, just brilliant!

[@pc1512]

This song makes me cry.

[@maryraja5948]

love this man...so talented

[@jeffreyjordan5929]

Brilliant artist both singing & writing for forty years or more ! thanks Neil

[@davidbloxham9920]

Awesome!!

[@CugateMedia]

Absolutely awesome! Neil Sedaka's performance of 'The Immigrant' in 1981 is a true masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences.

[@davebull2727]

Absolutely brilliant song, poignant now in 2021

[@alanhall9506]

It was a sweeter tune, And there was so much room!

[@maryraja5948]

Hall of Fame!!!

[@davel4838]

Pure class

[@goldiedover9294]

What an awesome performance , absolutely flawless.

[@MissRobbiOKC]

Amazing!

[@alessandrofavaron2963]

Neil, grande, grande, grande!!!!! Alessandro Firenze Italy

[@MowerMan]

Absolutely class. Such massive talent.

[@1mmickk]

Enjoy having this Musical Genius while you can folks.

[@peterd.9522]

I’m so moved by Neil’s performance here. I love this song so much and Neil is one of my very favorite singer songwriters. Thank you so much for sharing this. ❤

[@CugateMedia]

Neil Sedaka's performance of "The Immigrant" is exceptional, and I'm so glad you resonate with it. He is, indeed, a remarkable singer-songwriter. Thank you for sharing in the appreciation of this beautiful song. ❤️🎵

[@margueritecurtis2168]

Simply beautiful.

[@carolinecurrie2720]

Such a beautiful voice 🥰

[@CugateMedia]

Absolutely! Neil Sedaka has an incredibly beautiful voice, and 'The Immigrant' showcases his vocal talent beautifully. 🥰

[@churchofscotland]

amazing thanks H. Memo Rhein

[@LeonardaPetersen]

Amazing.

[@17colmpx]

He is brilliant

[@domainofthesun4400]

I really regret that AFAIK he never used this beautiful unusually high tenor in serious music. He would have been wonderful in early music for example. Missed ya over there in the real oldies Mr. Sedaka.

[@MrMonroman]

Susan A. This is serious music and he's a classically trained pianist!

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

@@MrMonroman Amen. Just because it's in 4/4 time and doesn't run through 15 minutes worth of movements doesn't mean it's not serious.

[@WellMefisto]

This initial melody reminds me The Carpenters... awsome song!!

[@tavita8699]

Americans should adopt this as their National anthem It tells the history of the first people and how America was born 🇺🇲

[@becker2278]

Many people still (sometimes) treat me as an immigrant just because -- besides English -- i speak another language. If they should know this country's history better, they would know that my kids are the fifth (not second, nor third, nor fourth) generation of Americans. Ps by the way, I'm Puerto Rican and an American veteran, very proudly.

[@cbalducc]

I just heard this song for the first time in decades. I thought Carole King sang it.

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

So great, the amazing cold ending. Wish it had been on the record.

[@CugateMedia]

I agree, the cold ending adds a unique touch. It's a hidden gem

[@chunkybuster7203]

I always cry when l hear this!

[@MrBillinoregon]

Welcome, new Americans. We want you here, and we love you.

[@johncastaneda2762]

This song is what America is made of unless your an American Indian, we are all Immigrants!

[@suelibessaguerradasilva712]

Grande Sedaka!

[@iangwilliams8812]

This lyric from c1974 for the US and is even more pertinent today for the UK!

[@astrosjer822]

The song about John Lennon has some great lyrics. I don’t remember reading if John ever commented on it?

[@Gunn27]

He did. He was absolutely thrilled anout it. There is audio on KZbin where he was interviewed by Jim Kerr.

[@KENNYPAUL2]

It’s not about John Lennon per se, more dedicated to him. Phil Cody wrote the lyrics with his Sicilian father in mind.

[@fullervisiondotnet]

@@KENNYPAUL2 They did later dedicate it to Lennon (Sedaka's parents were immigrants as well and hence why he was willing to take a little more of a risk on this, though Sedaka himself has always been more of an apolitical guy who doesn't like to get too deep into social issues).

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

@@fullervisiondotnet Yes, you can find the single with both the dedication, and the earlier issue without it. I have both on the domestic US Rocket label. I suspect as it went up the charts, they changed the label to include the dedication.

[@jewels4037]

wow!

[@DavidPaterno]

Tremendous talent

[@CugateMedia]

It's always a thrill to enjoy Neil Sedaka's music! Did you know that he started his career as a classically trained pianist before transitioning into pop music? His versatility is truly remarkable. ❤️👏

[@merledoughty5787]

The American Dream and why not things are acheivable, I think of my brother in law arriving in the USA with 6 suitcases coming from a country that was once great lets make America great with some help and healing it can happen just believe in this world of greed and danger. I don,t by the way come from America it was not a country I wanted to visit, I workded with quite a few Americans in my life, however I have had a change of heart I want to visit and see that great country

[@dangibson906]

The resume of Neil Sedaka can be put up against any from his day. This piece is lyrically beautiful, with a message that we wish could be still true today. It is a shame that for every visitor who honestly seeks "the American Dream", there is one who tries to sneak in, and GET OVER ...

[@lalouc6187]

q tipo mas dulce y su musica tambien (no homo)