Immigration Man

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some far-out vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Immigration Man" by Crosby & Nash from their 1972 album Graham Nash / David Crosby. This track, written by Graham Nash, was born out of a frustrating encounter with a U.S. Customs official in 1970 after a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young show in Vancouver. Nash, a Brit, was held up at the border while his bandmates breezed through. As he told Joe Pascal at the Hudson Union Society, “I’ve said it before, to write a song I have to feel. And if you piss me off, I’m feeling shit, you know?” The official’s hassle only stopped when fans started asking for Nash’s autograph, but the irritation fueled this mid-tempo folk-rock gem, peaking at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100. David Crosby later quipped that the officer “didn’t like Graham, or didn’t like his attitude,” and Nash’s lyrics, like “Here I am with my immigration form / It’s big enough to keep me warm,” poke fun at the absurdity of the ordeal. The song’s guitar solo, courtesy of Dave Mason, and harmonies from Crosby and Nash, give it that classic West Coast sound.

Another cool tidbit: Nash chose a photo of Earth from space for the song’s sheet music cover, reflecting his global perspective. He later explained, “That realisation is where our hope as a planet lies.” The song’s relevance persists, with Nash, who became a U.S. citizen in 1978, noting in a 2022 Ultimate Classic Rock interview that he’s still angry about the incident. Fans on The Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Appreciation Society often share how the song’s plea—“Let me in, irritation man”—resonates with their own travel frustrations. The track was covered by CSNY and artist Yorick van Norden, showing its lasting appeal. The album itself hit #4 on the Billboard 200, with guest stars like Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh from the Grateful Dead adding to its hippie cred.

David Crosby and Graham Nash kicked off their musical journeys in the 1960s, each carving out a path before joining forces. Crosby, born in Los Angeles in 1941, started in the folk scene and co-founded The Byrds in 1964, helping shape folk rock with hits like “Mr. Tambourine Man.” His outspoken vibe and songwriting led to his exit from The Byrds in 1967. Meanwhile, Nash, born in Blackpool, England, in 1942, was a founding member of The Hollies, crafting pop hits like “Bus Stop.” Feeling creatively stifled, he left in 1968. The two met through mutual friends in Laurel Canyon, and with Stephen Stills, formed Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1968. Their debut album, with its tight harmonies, was a smash, and adding Neil Young later made CSNY a supergroup. After CSNY’s 1970 split, Crosby and Nash dropped solo albums—If I Could Only Remember My Name and Songs for Beginners—before teaming up for their 1972 duo record.

Zoo Freaks can connect with the legacy of Crosby & Nash through their official channels. Check out the official website at crosbystillsnash.com for updates on CSN-related projects. Graham Nash is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, sharing reflections and tour news. David Crosby, who passed away in 2023, still has a presence via Facebook and X, managed by his team. Fans gather at sites like 4waysite.com for CSNY news and discussions. Join the vibe on The Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Appreciation Society or CSNY Fans on Facebook to swap stories and keep the hippie spirit alive.