about
Utilizing styles of cabaret and old time jazz, Land of Opportunity explores the paradox inherent in coming to this country following an immigrant's dream and the brutal reality that awaits many who come here. Knocking can portend good fortune, but it can also be a harbinger of intimidation and fear. In this place I call home, that knock on the door doesn't necessarily mean the same thing for me as it does for others. Many times those that knock on the door present as friendly, offering to help you out, and then use euphemisms and propaganda (like opportunity!) to explain away, justify, and soften their actions. Some take it even further and promote what they are doing into some kind of side-show stunt.
The first verse explores the Japanese Imprisonment in WWII, the second verse about the DPS in Texas shipping refugees and immigrants to large cities in the NE of the country (in this case NYC), and the third verse explores what awaits us here in Wisconsin, noting the efforts made by organizations to take people off voter rolls, reduce absentee balloting, and gerrymander districts.
What scares you? For me, ever since I can remember, the knock on the door is a time of caution and danger. They’ll call it an opportunity. So I’ll make a spin tune for you all, and I appreciate this opportunity and for you all taking this time. But I’ll rarely ever answer the door….text me first!
lyrics
leave the sea and travel to a distant land
Where the wind blows dust instead of Sand
we’ll leave all your things behind
I see you’re Buddhist so you won’t mind
Give everything you have away for free
or sell it for a 1/4 of the price to me
no, no you are not a refugee
We’re the FBI, there’s no transport fee
put the phone down, end that call
we’ve got a train ready, just for you all
Ma’am, when you go into labor, no need to
hide in the basement of your neighbor
Its so great we’ll find you for this
it’s just too good, not something to miss
I suggest you sign your deeds to a friend
you’ll get ‘em back when the war ends
In the meantime enjoy our housing plan
no need for that old car, you understand
It’s a camp, and you’ll be camping
drink lots water to prevent cramping
oh yes don’t worry, water there is easy to find
that altitude sun won’t make you blind
you’ll enjoy how the weather changes
behind barbed wire in the desert mountain ranges
one big building together
no need for thanks, it’s our pleasure
There’s knocking at the door
There’s knocking at the door
DPS, we’ll take you North 36 hours on land
reunited with your kids, isn’t this grand?
no walking in the heat to avoid surrender
no need to be stuck in the detention center
all aboard, to NYC, get on this bus
there will be jobs up there I promise
that’s why you came over here right?
still, it’s better to leave by the cover of night
you’re doing us a favor, to keep the camp clear
wouldn’t wanna trouble you by keeping you here
photos will mark the moment you arrive
totally welcome there, you will surely thrive
Their mayor is looking forward to meeting you
He’ll smile and find a place for you
they’ll put you up in hotels of great renown
you’ll be staying way downtown
her torch welcoming the weary and wary
see her on the Staten Island Ferry
to a place where you will be welcome
to a place far from where you just came from
one big building together
no need for thanks, it’s our pleasure
There’s knocking at the door
There’s knocking at the door
Hey! voter alliance going door to door
we’ve got connections, we’re fixing the score
carving and gerrymandering your streets
so our side will not suffer any defeats
Vote for him, he’ll do such great things
In our land where freedom rings
So I’m dropping off leaflets, canvasing your block
Smiling and shaking hands with double talk
you can trust my cheerful face
sure, sure no problem here with race
we would really like your vote
wait one second, are you fresh of the boat?
you better not mail in the ballot
we better not make your vote count
if it’s not for us, our reach is broad
guilty or not we’ll report you for fraud
removal from the voter rolls, we’ll bring charges
so until next Tuesday hide in your garages
We’ve called them, they know the way
Better stay right there until next Wednesday
one big building together
no need for thanks, it’s our pleasure
There’s knocking at the door
There’s knocking at the door
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