I wrote this song some time ago and Bob Shane was gracious enough to listen… Read Full Bio ↴I wrote this song some time ago and Bob Shane was gracious enough to listen to it. I was surprised and so happy when Bob actually told me that he planned on having the Trio record it on their upcoming CD "Born At the Right Time". Anyway, the song is about a fictional character "Manuelito" who smuggles aliens over the Mexico-US border. I attended the Special Agent INS Academy in Brownsville, TX so I was familiar with the terrain down there and it all kind of came together in the lyrics of the song. The song does not glorify smuggling or smugglers. It is about the immigration problem in general, and I wrote several alternative verses. In my version, I sing the chorus in spanish: Pero la patrulla de la frontera, no pueden capturar el alma de Manuelito y ellos que viene sobre la frontera. Paul Stookey also reviewed the song before the Trio recorded it and gave me a few pointers on song writing as well.

La Migra
The Kingston Trio Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Manuelito still smiles, been doin’ this for a while
He’s a smuggler and knows how to get across the border.
He knows every ravine guarded by green machine
And if you can pay he can get you around La Migra.

They come here as you know. Millions swim in the flow.
Yes, they come and they go and then they disappear
But the Border Patrol cannot capture the soul

Of Manuelito and those who come across the border.

Manny’s never been caught but I know he is sought
By Migra from Brownsville through Baja.
No one knows his last name but hey know of his game.
He has come to be known as el coyote grande.

They come here, as you know. Millions swim in the flow.
Yes, they come and they go and then they disappear
But the Border Patrol cannot capture the soul
Of Manuelito and those who come across the border.

Landscapers cut up your grass. Busboys fill up your glass.
It goes on and on from May to late December.
And year after year, illegals living in fear
That’s the way it has been as long as I can remember.

They come here as you know. Millions swim in the flow.
Yes, they come and they go and then they disappear
But the Border Patrol cannot capture the soul
Of Manuelito and those who come across the border.

But the Border Patrol cannot capture the soul
Of Manuelito and those who come across the border.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "La Migra" by The Kingston Trio depict the story of Manuelito, a seasoned smuggler who helps people cross the border. Despite the presence of the Border Patrol (referred to as "La Migra"), Manuelito has managed to avoid being caught and continues his illicit activities. The lyrics also touch on the larger issue of illegal immigration, highlighting the millions of people who come and go across the border, often disappearing into the vastness of the country.

Manuelito is portrayed as someone who knows the border landscape intimately, aware of every guarded ravine and able to navigate past the Border Patrol if one can afford his services. He is a figure of expertise and resourcefulness, earning the nickname "el coyote grande" (the big coyote), symbolizing his importance and influence within the smuggling network. Despite being sought after by the Migra from Brownsville to Baja, Manny has managed to evade capture, his last name unknown to those he serves.

The song also touches on the impact of immigration on various industries, such as landscaping and food service, where undocumented workers often find employment. It implies that these workers, living in constant fear, contribute to the economy and perform essential jobs that others may take for granted. The lyrics reflect a recognition of the ongoing presence of undocumented immigrants in the country and the challenges faced by both individuals like Manuelito and those seeking a better life.

Overall, "La Migra" sheds light on the complexities and human stories behind illegal immigration, presenting Manuelito as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the struggle for a better life.

Line by Line Meaning

Manuelito still smiles, been doin’ this for a while
Manuelito, an experienced smuggler, maintains a cheerful demeanor as he has been involved in this activity for a long time.

He’s a smuggler and knows how to get across the border.
Being a skilled smuggler, he possesses the knowledge of successfully crossing the border.

He knows every ravine guarded by green machine
He is familiar with all the hidden paths guarded by the Border Patrol.

And if you can pay he can get you around La Migra.
If you have the means to pay, he can help you avoid detection by the Border Patrol.

They come here as you know. Millions swim in the flow.
As widely known, millions of people migrate to this country and often cross through dangerous waters.

Yes, they come and they go and then they disappear
These migrants arrive and depart, blending into the society, often going unnoticed.

But the Border Patrol cannot capture the soul
The Border Patrol is unable to apprehend the true spirit and perseverance of these migrants.

Of Manuelito and those who come across the border.
Neither can they capture the essence of Manuelito and others who successfully cross the border.

Manny’s never been caught but I know he is sought
Although Manny has evaded capture until now, it is known that the authorities are actively looking for him.

By Migra from Brownsville through Baja.
The immigration enforcement agencies, commonly referred to as 'Migra', are searching for him from Brownsville to Baja.

No one knows his last name but hey know of his game.
While no one is aware of his full name, many are familiar with his methods and the business he operates.

He has come to be known as el coyote grande.
He has earned the reputation of being the prominent 'coyote' - a guide who helps people cross the border.

Landscapers cut up your grass. Busboys fill up your glass.
Migrant workers such as landscapers and busboys contribute to the maintenance of your surroundings and fulfill your service needs.

It goes on and on from May to late December.
This cycle of migrant labor continues relentlessly from May until the end of December.

And year after year, illegals living in fear
Every year, undocumented immigrants live in constant fear and uncertainty.

That’s the way it has been as long as I can remember.
This has been the reality for as long as my memory serves.

But the Border Patrol cannot capture the soul
The Border Patrol remains incapable of apprehending the true essence and resilience of these migrants.

Of Manuelito and those who come across the border.
They also fail to capture the indomitable spirit of Manuelito and others who successfully cross the border.

But the Border Patrol cannot capture the soul
Once again, the Border Patrol is unable to grasp the true essence and determination of these migrants.

Of Manuelito and those who come across the border.
Similarly, they cannot comprehend the unyielding strength displayed by Manuelito and others who make it across the border.

Lyrics © Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Vicino Michele

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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