“The Wolves” (2019) is a good pro-immigration folk song by Mandolin Orange, now known as Watchhouse. (A live performance is here.) However, the song is limited by its metaphor — Americans opposed to immigration are depicted as wolves.
Wolves, like immigrants, are a blessing, but both wolves and immigrants are persecuted. Anti-wolf politicians encourage the myth that wolves are a threat to humans, and they serve the hunting and livestock industries. Similarly, anti-immigration politicians demonize immigrants and undermine core values of freedom and decency.
One component of the war on immigration, the creation of border walls and other barriers, is a threat to both immigrants and wildlife, including Mexican gray wolves, an endangered species. People have a natural right to migrate, and wildlife naturally migrates and disperses. As the Center for Biological Diversity observes, “Scientists recognize border walls as ecological stressors that destroy habitat, divide genetic interchange and impede wildlife migration.”
……..
As Chris Barr explains, the woman in the song is the Statue of Liberty. Is Lady Liberty now too controversial to remain standing?
“There she stands so tall and mighty
Her gaze facing the east
At her back, our doors are closing
As we grin and bare our teeth.”
References
“The Wolves” (Studio edition, 1-10-20). Watchhouse.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwXlQAQoHU8]
“The Wolves” (Live edition, 2019). Watchhouse.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhLYGvXQVZE]
Lyrics
https://genius.com/Mandolin-orange-the-wolves-lyrics
Watchhouse
https://watchhouseband.com/
“Wandering Mexican Gray Wolf in New Mexico Blocked by Border Wall” (12-13-21).
https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/wandering-mexican-gray-wolf-in-new-mexico-blocked-by-border-wall-2021-12-13/
“Destruction of a Jaguar Corridor:
Impending Border Wall Will Sever Vital Pathway for Wildlife in Arizona’s San Rafael Valley” (July 2025).
https://biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/jaguar/pdfs/
Destruction_of_a_Jaguar_Corridor_Report_July_2025_Center.pdf
“Immigration, Fear & Complicity: A Closer Reading of Mandolin Orange’s ‘The Wolves'” (8-27-19). Chris Barr.
https://medium.com/@heychrisbarr/immigration-fear-complicity-a-closer-reading-of-mandolin-oranges-the-wolves-f5b6240d9060
