Emigrant Eyes

Old Ellis Island was swarming
Like a scene from a costume ball
Decked out in the colors of Europe
And 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

They were standing in lines just like cattle
Poked and sodded and shoved
Some were one desk away from sweet freedom
Some torn from someone they love

Through this sprawling tower of Babel
Came a young man confused and alone
Determined and bound for America
Carrying everything that he owned

Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's emigrant eyes
I see that day reflected and I can't hold my feelings inside
I see starting with nothing and working hard all of his life
So 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
As the day he sailed through the harbor
And come ashore on the island of tears

My grandfather's days are numbered
But I won't let his memory die
He gave me the gift of this country
And the look in his emigrant eyes

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