Migration Stories in Art + Music

Introduction to “American Land” by Bruce Springsteen has a happy tune. The singer is going to America in search of a better life and hopes to be very successful. The songs describes the United States of America as a paradise where one can pursue their dreams. The song gives a hopeful vibe to immigrants coming to America that they can achieve any and everything. The song “Follow me” by Moxie Raia and Wyclef Jean gives a much different vibe. This song has a depressing tone which talks about fighting and mentions that immigrants need to escape from their home country in order to survive. It talks about the hardships immigrants/ refugees face at the border in search of a better life.

YCBA Zine about Favianna Rodriguez talks about how the story of immigrants can portrayed through the use of art, expressing their emotions and hardships coming to the United States. Rodriguez wants to prove that immigrants are talented and it is important that immigrant tells their own stories about the struggles and tribulations they faced.

Grade 4/5

Question:
1. Do you think the song ‘’Follow me” portrays America as a dark place that is unwelcoming to immigrants?