Emigrant Eyes

Old Ellis Island was swarming
Like a scene from a costume ball
Decked out in the colors of Europe
cnd on fire with the hope of it all
There my father's own father stood huddled
With the tired and the hungry and scared
Turn of the century pilgrims
Bound by the dream that they shared

Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's emigrant eyes
See that day reflected, can't hold my feelings inside
See him starting with nothing, working hard all of his life
Don't take it for granted, say grandfather's emigrant eyes

They were standing in lines just like cattle
Poked and sorted and shoved
Some were one desk away from sweet freedom
Some were torn from someone they love
To this roaring tower of Babel
Came a young man confused and alone
Determined and bound for cmerica
cnd carrying everything that he owned

Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's emigrant eyes
See that day reflected, can't hold my feelings inside
See him starting with nothing, working hard all of his life
Don't take it for granted, say grandfather's emigrant eyes

Now he rocks and stares out the window
But his eyes are still just as clear
cs the day he sailed in through the harbor
cnd came ashore on the island of tears
Now my grandfather's days are numbered
But I won't let his memory die
He gave me the gift of this country
cnd the look in his emigrant eyes

Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's emigrant eyes
See that day reflected, can't hold my feelings inside
See him starting with nothing, working hard all of his life
Don't take it for granted, say grandfather's emigrant eyes
Don't take it for granted, say grandfather's emigrant eyes