Accra Blues

I can smell the smoke from the fires The streets are choked like a wall of tangled vines Noise is deafening my ears Your lips move but I can’t hear you say Akwaaba, you are welcome to our land When you speak English, it may as well be Greek It sounds so different from how I learned to speak I just nod and shake my head At least I haven’t been misled Cause I’ve got no idea on earth what you just said Accra, Accra, Accra, Accra Accra, Accra, Accra, Accra When we roll up to a traffic light My eyes grow wide as I take in a brand new sight Staring faces gather round On their heads a hundred pounds I feel like hiding but I hold myself upright Waves of heat beat down from the burning sun Waves of doubt start creeping down my spine Sweat trickles down my face Hope to god I like this place Am I crazy? Oh lord, what have I done? Accra, Accra, Accra, Accra Accra, Accra, Accra, Accra Two months later, I’m settling in just fine I like the breeze, the ocean, the palm wine It may not yet feel like home But my love for it is growing Accra, I know, you’ll be a friend of mine Accra, I know, you’ll be a friend of mine Accra, I know, you’ll be a friend of mine