"Immigrant Parents" is an ode dedicated to those who left everything they once knew so they could pursue a life with less obstacles and more opportunities for the ones that they loved. Though this sacrifice was great, it still did not promise them anything and they still had to work harder than everyone else to break even. The chance of having more opportunities was enough to push them to make the move but in most cases, they didn’t even have a choice. As a first-generation Pakistani American and son of immigrant parents, I try to be thankful every day for the incredible sacrifices that were made for me by my parents.

Lyrics:

Verse

Smoke in the air

Sun… set on my lungs

See… dirt in my nails,

Moon… shine on fingers

Something kinda sweet set…

Set upon my tongue cuz…

Tea might leave my taste bitter

But it kept me warm during my winters

Heavy threaded sweaters

I still feel the weather

I might need a little ether

They say I won’t feel it either

Every step I take is feeling rocky I could feel my soles is torn to shreds,

Try to rest but all the days been copies and my dreams just feel like they dead ends… yeah

Still I can’t afford to bend

I know I needa keep ascending

The air is thin I can’t pretend

Same feelings they not mending

See each time step forth… still feel so behind

If I don’t know I once fell… then it might just help me climb?

Then it might just help me shine

Maybe this all just takes time...

Smoke in the air...

Dirt on my face...

Can’t see the way... but...

Chorus

Been feeling like the worlds’ coming down on me

But I could hold the weight for you

Been feeling like there ain’t no place to stay

But I could hold a space for you

Been feeling like the worlds’ coming down on me

But I could hold the weight for you

I’m feeling there ain’t no place to stay

But I could hold a space for you

Written, produced, and mixed by Ahmed Kazmi (@ahmedxkazmi)

Additional Mixing + Mastering by Carl Rushing (@gemstarpro)

Artwork Graphic Design by Yusuf Kazmi (@cckase)

Artwork Photography by Foster K. White (@fkwhite_)