Persona Non Grata
Vanelli Gino Lyrics


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Now the cry of the toucan for your man is history
welcome to heaven the land of the rich and the free
the water's so clean you can fill your canteen with it cold
please hand me your locket and I promise you pockets of gold
no soldiers to knock on your door
now what can a man ask for more

Persona non grata!
just lay your money down
persona non grata!
on your knees and kiss the ground

I know all the right people we will make you legal in a flash
I won't take no for an answer no credit no checks just cash
well it may seem like a lot but I'm really not in it for greed
as god as my witness I have a family and mistress to feed
what price can you put on a dream
your fortune lies across the stream

Persona non grata!
just lay your money down
persona non grata!
on your knees and kiss the ground
Persona non grata!
persona non grata!

No soldiers to knock on your door
now what can a man ask for man

Persona non grata!
just lay your money down
persona non grata!
on your knees and kiss the ground
Persona non grata!
persona non grata!
lay your money down
lay your money down




Persona non grata!
persona non grata!

Overall Meaning

In Vanelli Gino's song Persona Non Grata, the lyrics describe the lure of a utopian land promised by an unknown narrator to the listener. The song starts with the toucan's cry being a thing of the past, symbolizing that the listener has left behind their old life and entered a new world. This new world they have entered is portrayed as heaven, where the water is clean and gold is promised, and soldiers will not knock on their door. This utopia is presented as the perfect place to live, and the singer assures the listener that they know all the right people and will make them legal in a flash.


However, the promise of this land comes with a price - the listener must lay their money down and kiss the ground. The singer claims that the money isn't for greed but to feed his family and mistress. The song's title 'Persona Non Grata' is a Latin phrase that means an unwelcome person, and it seems to emphasize the idea that the listener must pay to be accepted into this new world, even if they were previously unwelcome in their old life.


In conclusion, Vanelli Gino's Persona Non Grata is a commentary on the human desire for a better life and the lengths that people will go to achieve it, even if it means sacrificing their financial stability and morals.


Line by Line Meaning

Now the cry of the toucan for your man is history
The past is behind you, and you have come to a new place.


welcome to heaven the land of the rich and the free
You have arrived in a place where wealth and freedom are abundant.


the water's so clean you can fill your canteen with it cold
The environment is conducive and favorable for living, with clean and drinkable water.


please hand me your locket and I promise you pockets of gold
If you trust me with your valuables, I will make you rich beyond your expectations.


no soldiers to knock on your door
You will not be bothered or harassed by military or law enforcement officers.


now what can a man ask for more
What else could one possibly desire?


Persona non grata!
You are an unwelcome person in your current environment.


just lay your money down
To gain acceptance, you must be willing to part with your wealth.


on your knees and kiss the ground
You must show complete submission and gratitude to be accepted.


I know all the right people we will make you legal in a flash
I have connections that can grant you legal status quickly and easily.


I won't take no for an answer no credit no checks just cash
I demand immediate payment in cash and will not accept any other form of payment.


well it may seem like a lot but I'm really not in it for greed
Although it may seem like a lot of money, I'm not driven by greed.


as god as my witness I have a family and mistress to feed
I have responsibilities to support my family and other dependents.


what price can you put on a dream
There is no limit to what someone is willing to pay for their dreams.


your fortune lies across the stream
Your prosperity and success await you in a new place.


lay your money down
Put your money where your mouth is and prove your worth.




Contributed by Benjamin O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

n0manland

This was a top 20 hit in South Africa. He is a very versatile singer.

RoAr Fox

And I thought that I was the only one who's favourite song from Gino Vannelli was this one! It's good to know that I'm not the only one with great taste in music! :o) Thanks a lot for uploading Kurdtss

reboot_2.0

Great video! Thanx for posting. A question: Does anyone remember an alternative (radio) version of this song that had the last 30 or so seconds follow a more rock sound?

ferchw

He's really got that special touch!!

mary71257

Thanks for sharing this so others can watch...I have a copy of this at home and I love it...

ashleyw34m

He is so good-looking, in addition to the great voice. He looks like an actor whose name escapes me ...

joostisabelle

a great song, off the same album that had Wild Horses

MusicalFeelings

Great !!

MissParker0106

Nice addition. Thank you for uploading.

Timothy Halstead

He also has a song with the lines "Don't give the devil the time of day" AND "Dieing of old age at 17" Anyone know the actual name of that song???

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