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Born in Kingston, Jamaica as Ripton Hylton, Eek-a-Mouse began his foray into reggae music when he was in college, but did not begin to garner a substantial audience until 1979 with his hit "Once a Virgin". This same year, he changed his singing name to "Eek-a-Mouse", the name of the racehorse he always bet on. In 1981, he cheered up the Reggae Sunsplash Festival, which was still mourning over the death of reggae icon Bob Marley. After this, his fame continued increasing through the year 1982 until 1988, when he released "Eek-A-Nomics", his last full-length CD until 1996.
Eek-a-Mouse is a regular at the Jamaican music festival Reggae Sunsplash and often teams up with reggae duo Michigan and Smiley. He has also been featured on Christian rock group P.O.D.'s (Payable on Death) album Satellite, lending his vocals to the rock-reggae track "Ridiculous".
Border Patrol
Eek-a-Mouse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
it's getting harder, harder to get across the border, ain't no jive.
trying harder, harder to get across the border to hit the i-95.
i'll walk, i'll talk, but i not crawl on my belly like a reptile, jah know.
i'll walk, i'll talk, but i not crawl on my belly like a reptile. hmmm.
going to Miami via Vancouver coming from Jamaica.
don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding
i went to the border they say my passport was not in order. and so.
seven of us got back on the bus, felt like a looser. hmmm.
we went from rooms, we got some food, am i a dream a? hmmm.
i went to some club, they were playing reggae, rock, and blues a. hmmm.
i know i a winner, but this time they say i'm a looser.
but i said, hey. but i said, hey.
(chorus)
the next day i came back to the embassy.
don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding.
i was an early birdie at 8: 30. hmmm.
set the mouse free. let him enter. hmmm.
don't forget him a? this country. hmmm.
out of all the people, me they decided to remove a. hmmm.
he said come this way, you look like somebody we a look for. hmmm.
searching my bag. take my shoe, ran it through the computer.
dong, ding-ding, ding-ding.
wump-pem-pay-ay
wump-pem-pay pay-pay pay-ow
oh-fizit-now-zet
wump-pem-pay-ay
wump-pem-pay pay-pay pay-ow
i'm about to expose it
(chorus)
cock-a-doodle-doo, doodle-doo-oo i am the rooster. hmmm.
stop spinning me around like i'm some roller coaster.
don-ding, don, ding-ding, ding-ding.
you make it seems i'm the most wanted. hmmm.
take me out of this room. it's so scary and haunted. hmmm.
jamaica, jamaica, i am a teacher. hmmm.
i'm an singer, and actor, born entertainer. hmmm.
you've taken away my passport and my visa. hmmm.
sending me away, back to jamaica. hmmm.
(prolonged chorus)
i was on my way to california coming from taiwan. mexican border. i was there with a mexican who was a poncho villa. hmmm.
he said to me, do you want? time for a salsa. hmmm.
i said i've got to go, i've got to go to california. hmmm.
immigration officer let me pass the border. hmmm.
you know what i got to do, a show in los angeles california. hmmm.
(chorus)
going to miami via vancouver coming from jamaica.
don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding.
i was on the outside, for some reason, they won't let me enter.
don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding.
i went to the border they say my passport was not in order. and so.
seven of us got back on the bus, felt like a looser.
don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding.
we got some food and we got some rooms in vancouver.
don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding.
we went to some club, they were playing reggae, rock, and blues a. i can not confuse a.
i guess i was winner, but this time they said i was a looser.
i not confuse a. what i said.
(reversed chorus)
The song "Border Patrol" by Eek-A-Mouse tells the story of the difficulties he faced while trying to cross the border from Canada to the United States. He highlights the frustration of being stopped by the immigration officers who first did not let him enter due to his passport being deemed not in order. Despite his efforts to show his credentials on multiple occasions, he was searched and scrutinized thoroughly, which made him feel like he was a loser. The song showcases the tensions between different countries, their immigration policies, and how they affect people's movement across borders.
Eek-A-Mouse's storytelling style adds a unique layer of depth to the lyrics while giving the listener an insight into the difficulties people face when traveling between different countries. The song's chorus emphasizes the increased obstacles faced by people trying to cross the border, further amplifying the plea for change in how foreigners are treated.
Line by Line Meaning
it's getting harder, harder to get across the border, ain't no jive.
Crossing the border is becoming increasingly difficult and it is the truth.
trying harder, harder to get across the border to hit the i-95.
It is getting more challenging to cross the border to get to I-95.
i'll walk, i'll talk, but i not crawl on my belly like a reptile, jah know.
I will travel and communicate like a human and won't crawl like an animal.
i'll walk, i'll talk, but i not crawl on my belly like a reptile. hmmm.
I will travel and communicate like a human and won't crawl like an animal.
going to Miami via Vancouver coming from Jamaica.
I am travelling from Jamaica to Miami via Vancouver.
don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding
Sound effect imitating a doorbell.
i was on the outside, for some reason, they won't let me enter. hmmm.
I was outside but for unknown reasons, they denied me entry.
i went to the border they say my passport was not in order. and so.
At the border, officials informed me that my passport was not valid.
seven of us got back on the bus, felt like a looser. hmmm.
Seven of us had to get back on the bus and I felt like a loser.
we went from rooms, we got some food, am i a dream a? hmmm.
We got rooms and food, and I am wondering if this is a dream.
i went to some club, they were playing reggae, rock, and blues a. hmmm.
I went to a club that played reggae, rock, and blues.
i know i a winner, but this time they say i'm a looser.
Usually, I am a winner, but this time they called me a loser.
but i said, hey. but i said, hey.
Trying to convince himself that he is still confident despite failing to cross the border.
(chorus)
Repeating the chorus.
the next day i came back to the embassy.
The following day, I visited the embassy again.
i was an early birdie at 8: 30. hmmm.
I arrived early at 8:30AM.
set the mouse free. let him enter. hmmm.
The mouse (Eek-A-Mouse) should be allowed to enter the country.
don't forget him a? this country. hmmm.
Please don't forget Eek-A-Mouse in this country.
out of all the people, me they decided to remove a. hmmm.
Out of everybody, they chose to remove me.
he said come this way, you look like somebody we a look for. hmmm.
An officer told me to follow him, stating that I matched someone they were looking for.
searching my bag. take my shoe, ran it through the computer. dong, ding-ding, ding-ding.
They searched through my bag and put my shoe through a computer scanner.
wump-pem-pay-ay wump-pem-pay pay-pay pay-ow oh-fizit-now-zet wump-pem-pay-ay wump-pem-pay pay-pay pay-ow i'm about to expose it
Nonsensical sounds (onomatopoeia) showing the frustration and confusion faced when trying to cross the border.
(chorus)
Repeating the chorus.
cock-a-doodle-doo, doodle-doo-oo i am the rooster. hmmm.
Making rooster sounds to appear confident even though the situation is nerve-racking.
stop spinning me around like i'm some roller coaster.
Don't play with me like a roller coaster ride.
you make it seems i'm the most wanted. hmmm.
You're treating me like the most wanted criminal.
take me out of this room. it's so scary and haunted. hmmm.
Remove me from this room. It is uncomfortable, and I am scared.
jamaica, jamaica, i am a teacher. hmmm.
I am a teacher from Jamaica.
i'm an singer, and actor, born entertainer. hmmm.
I am a singer, actor, and born entertainer.
you've taken away my passport and my visa. hmmm.
They took my passport and visa away from me.
sending me away, back to jamaica. hmmm.
They are sending me back to Jamaica.
(prolonged chorus)
Repeating the chorus for an extended period.
i was on my way to california coming from taiwan. mexican border. i was there with a mexican who was a poncho villa. hmmm.
I was travelling to California from Taiwan via the Mexican border, and I met a Mexican named Poncho Villa.
he said to me, do you want? time for a salsa. hmmm.
Poncho Villa asked me if I wanted to dance to salsa music.
i said i've got to go, i've got to go to california. hmmm.
I refused and said I had to go to California.
immigration officer let me pass the border. hmmm.
Thankfully, an immigration officer allowed me to cross the border.
you know what i got to do, a show in los angeles california. hmmm.
I had to perform at a show in Los Angeles, California.
(chorus)
Repeating the chorus.
going to miami via vancouver coming from jamaica.
I am travelling from Jamaica to Miami via Vancouver.
don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding.
Sound effect imitating a doorbell.
i was on the outside, for some reason, they won't let me enter.
I was outside but for unknown reasons, they denied me entry.
i went to the border they say my passport was not in order. and so.
At the border, officials informed me that my passport was not valid.
seven of us got back on the bus, felt like a looser.
Seven of us had to get back on the bus, and I felt like a loser.
we got some food and we got some rooms in vancouver.
We got some food and rooms in Vancouver.
we went to some club, they were playing reggae, rock, and blues a. i can not confuse a.
We went to a club that played reggae, rock, and blues, and it was not confusing.
i guess i was winner, but this time they said i was a looser.
Usually, I am a winner, but this time they called me a loser.
i not confuse a. what i said.
I am not confused, and I still stand by what I said.
(reversed chorus)
Repeating the chorus in reverse.
Contributed by Jason O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@harry6555
It's getting harder, harder
To get across the border, ain't no jive
Trying harder, harder
To get across the border, to hit the I-95
I walk, I talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile - Jah know!
I walk, I talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile, hmmm
Going to Miami via Vancouver coming from Jamaica
Don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding
I was on the outside, for some reason
They won't let me enter, hmmm
I went to the border
They say my passport was not in order, and so
Seven of us got back on the bus
Felt like a looser, hmmm
We went from rooms, we got some food
Am I a dreamer, hmmm
I went to some club
They were playing reggae, rock, and blues a, hmmm
I know I a winner
But this time they say I'm a looser
But I said, hey, but I said, hey
@yarissaevallecillo246
It's getting harder, harder
To get across the border, ain't no jive
Trying harder, harder
To get across the border, to hit the I-95
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile - Jah know!
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile, hmmm
Going to Miami via Vancouver coming from Jamaica
Don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding
I was on the outside, for some reason
They won't let me enter, hmmm
I went to the border
They say my passport was not in order, and so
Seven of us got back on the bus
Felt like a looser, hmmm
We went from rooms, we got some food
Am I a dreamer, hmmm
I went to some club
They were playing reggae, rock, and blues a, hmmm
I know I a winner
But this time they say I'm a looser
But I said, hey, but I said, hey
It's getting harder, harder
To get across the border, ain't no jive
Trying harder, harder
To get across the border, to hit the I-95
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile - Jah know!
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile
The next day I came back to the embassy
Don-ding, don, ding-ding-ding
I was an early birdie at 8:30, hmmm
Set the mouse free, let him enter, hmmm
Don't forget immigrants build this country, hmmm
Out of all the people
Me they decided to remove a, hmmm
He said come this way
You look like somebody we a look for, hmmm
Searching my bag, take my shoe
Ran it through the computer
Dong, ding-ding, ding-ding
Wump-pem-pay-ay
Wump-pem-pay pay-pay pay-ow
Who feels it knows it
Wump-pem-pay-ay
Wump-pem-pay pay-pay pay-ow
I'm about to expose it
It's getting harder, harder
To get across the border, ain't no jive
Trying harder, harder
To get across the border, to hit the I-95
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile - Jah know!
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile, hmmm
Cock-a-doodle-doo, doodle-doo-oo I am the rooster, hmmm
Stop spinning me around like I'm some roller coaster
Don-ding, don, ding-ding, ding-ding
You make it seems I'm the most wanted, hmmm
Take me out of this room, it's so scary and haunted, hmmm
Jamaica, Jamaica, I am a teacher, hmmm
I'm a singer, an actor, born entertainer, hmmm
You've taken away my passport and my visa, hmmm
Sending me away, back to Jamaica, hmmm
It's getting harder, harder
To get across the border, ain't no jive
Trying harder, harder
To get across the border, to hit the I-95
It's getting harder, harder
To get across the border, ain't no jive
Trying harder, harder
To get across the border, to hit the I-95
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile - Jah know!
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile - Jah know!
I'll walk, I'll talk, but I not crawl
On my belly like a reptile
I was on my way to California
Coming from Tijuana, Mexican border
I was there with a Mexican who was a poncho villa, hmmm
He said to me, do you want [?] time for a salsa, hmmm
@gatshapatrick2829
I've listened to this song everyday for the past two weeks....big big tune Eek
@isabelcumplido6078
Viva México viva el reggae viva la vida...y por supuesto el amor..!!!
@Tootufftocry
✊🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
@infidelbbqusa7177
Viva Border Patrol
@rulygastelum5555
Viva Tijuana!!!!
@marcuswilson799
Trust a faler
@johnnyssik
@INFIDEL BBQ USA
Trumpanzee 🦧?
@ursulamoscolz5022
ESTA CANCION LA ESCUCHE POR PRIMERA VEZ EN 1995 SI MAL NO RECUERDO Y HASTA HOY ME ENCANTA Y HACE RECORDAR MIS CLASES DE PUBLICIDAD Y MARKETING, QUE TIEMPOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, HOY 2019 SE SIENTE IGUAL DE BIEN QUE AYER ESCUCHAR BUENA MUSICA :)
@venturagarcia4587
Esto es 100% chido.. esto es musica.. relaaxx 🇲🇽🇲🇽
@jhonalejandrolopezrenginfo6164
🇨🇴✨🏆Regge hace tres años que no escuchaba este clásico