I don't drink coffee, I take tea, my dear Some extra rice, please, on the side And you can hear it in my accent when I talk I'm an African in New York See me walking down 116, dried fish and curry, tableside There's pride and beauty in my arc I'm an African in New York Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien I'm an African in New York Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien I'm an African in New York I drive my taxi down Grand Avenue They always ask me where I'm from Is it that sad place that's in the news And is that the reason why I've come Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien I'm an African in New York Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien I'm an African in New York Modesty, a bright tea I'm not the only one Gentleness, a bright tea Shines brighter than the sun Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Fais comme je dois sans oublier, they said Even though you're here to stay It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile Be yourself, no matter what they say Be yourself, no matter what they say I'm an African I'm an African I'm an African