This is a song about prison, and the people that end up there. The core message of the song, however, touches on subjects of war, refugees, the displaced – and our own perspective on these social matters.
The characters may be real, or they may be fictional, but the aim, I suppose, is to humanize most people who do find themselves there at some point in their lives. This one’s for the fathers, sons, immigrants, and refugees, who’ve committed no crimes other than to fight for a better life – a life of dignity – for themselves and for their families. The core message of this song would be to find the common humanity one shares with these individuals, and to see they’re not so different to you.
This song is a tribute to two people, and the few million more out there, just like them, who are trapped in lands that are indifferent towards them. To those wanting nothing more than to escape suffering, who want to live a life of dignity, and give their families back home a chance at a brighter future. In a world that’s so polarized, constantly reminding you that you do not belong – belong here. “Kings of Nowhere” is a socially significant masterpiece that takes on the subject matter of refugees, and the consequences of war and natural disasters on the displaced and homeless. These are the voices and the stories of those who are affected the most when times get tough – in significant times when the matter of Race, and belonging are at the forefront of world affairs.
“Kings of Nowhere” invokes a classic 70’s and 80’s sound, presenting the listener with an uplifting take on the life of refugees, albeit with a depth to their personal stories. Most importantly, we also realize that despite the sense of hopelessness that so many of these characters feel, many of them retain their infectious positivity. Many keep their spirits high by reminding themselves that there’s something to smile for – even more so, when they have escaped far worse hells to get to where they are now.
lyrics
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Zoki’s got troubles you know
they find him every season
Even in this prison cell, though
He's got that smile
he aint one for bitching
though he’s got time, to go
20 years, that 80 summin seasons
All for pissing off some big business guy.
But Zoki don't cry
He says, he's living out
the Bosnian dream
the Bosnian dream
of a cigarette
and being alive
And Mo, he ain’t too bad you know
he’s from pirate country
but he’s got a good soul
it shows
But it's burying dreams
of selling beads, or something
in new york city
He was caught eight thousand miles
and ten years short
But Mo just smiles
he’s still living it up, the Somali dream
the Somali dream
of peace
and food that's free
And if there’s saints in heaven
and sinners in hell
perhaps that’s why we’re stuck in between
drinking, waiting
But there’s Zoki smoking in the corner
and Mo he’s praying
And it sure seems like
heaven and hells
the same.
For these Kings of nowhere
for the Kings of nowhere
for the Kings of Nowhere
Still smiling out there
Still shining out there
You see, I’ve got troubles too
But it seems the grey
don't last as long in here
as some Kings do
as some Kings do
Coz Mo’s got a dream
and Zoki just needs some living
but now they’re here, three and a half walls
prison dreaming
Living, dying, dead, still believing
Kings of nowhere
kings of nowhere
still smiling out there
still smiling out there
And if there’s saints in heaven
and sinners in hell
perhaps thats why we’re stuck here in between
Drinking, waiting
But theres Zoki smoking in the corner
and Mo he’s praying
And it sure seems like
heaven and hells
the same.
For the Kings of nowhere
for the Kings of nowhere
For these kings of nowhere
Still smiling out there
Still smiling out there
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