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about

The summer of 2016 was a hard summer for me in lots of ways, not least of which was seeing the Syrian civil war and unrest and economic collapse all over North Africa result in untold numbers of refugees fleeing to Europe to save themselves and their children. And at the same time, anti-immigrant rhetoric was building to a high pitch in many Western countries. I am always conscious of being the granddaughter of immigrants. I have cousins whose grandparents (my grandparents’ siblings) stayed in the Ukraine, so it is easy for me to see how my life could have been so different than the one I had growing up in the US and Israel. As the saying goes, “Anyone who’s ancestors were not Native Americans is American only because their ancestors were immigrants.” A little bit of Arabic, a little bit of Spanish and a little bit of Yiddish in this song.

lyrics

REFUGEE, © Joanie Calem Oct. 2016
Shu ismek? What’s your name? Kulu kwais? Are you okay?
De donde eres? Where are you from? Porque veniste? Why did you come?

Refugee, there is room for you here. My grandmother’s family also fled in fear.
When life implodes, and home’s not safe, You do what they did, come to a new place.

Covered head, babe in arms, Just tryin’ to keep her child safe from harm.
No money left, just one boat more, Husband waiting on the other shore.
Home is gone, family dead, Rubble covers her once-pretty bed.
Summer sky, calm, blue sea, But will they live through this journey?

Refugee, there is room for you here. My grandfather’s family also fled in fear.
When life implodes, and home’s not safe, You do what they did, come to a new place.

Each border’s got fences, dogs, and guns, But home’s not safe, no choice but to run.
The gangs have filled the streets with drugs, Abuela says go, escape these thugs.
Papa’s gone north, try to find him there, He called from Texas, said don’t be scared.
Travelin’ alone, pretend you’re brave, Pray every second, to stay safe

Refugee, there is room for you here. My grandparent’s family also fled in fear.
When life implodes, and home’s not safe, You do what they did, come to a new place.

Drunken Cossacks, pogroms and horses, My grandmother hid beneath the floorboards.
Her mother holding her baby sister tight, Praying her family would live through that night.
Though Gramma lived here for years, Nothing washed away those early fears.
Every noise, every surprise, Brought that pain back to her eyes.

Refugee, there is room for you here. My family also fled in fear.
When life implodes, and home’s not safe, You do what they did, come to a new place.

credits

from Days of Honey, Days of Onions, released April 1, 2021
Joanie Calem guitar and vocals

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Joanie Calem Columbus, Ohio

Joanie Calem is a folk musician, singer/song-writer, storyteller and inclusion advocate for audiences of all ages. Joanie writes songs and sings about life's different twists and turns, angles and perspectives, telling stories through her songs of the ups and downs of reality. She performs regularly at festivals, retirement homes, shelters, libraries and schools throughout the US and abroad. ... more

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