Emmylou Harris - Immigrant Eyes lyrics

Oh, Ellis Island was swarming Like a scene from a costume hall Decked out in the colors in Europe And on fire with the hope of it all There stood my father's own father stood huddled With the tired and 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 prodded and shoved Some were one desk away from sweet freedom Some were were torn from someone they love Through this sprawling tower of babel Came a young man confused and alone Determined and bound for America And carrying everything that he owned Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's immigrant 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 immigrant 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 'Cause he gave me the gift of this country And the look in his immigrant eyes