Emigrant Eyes
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Old Ellis Island was swarming
Like a scene from a costume ball
Decked out in the colors of Europe
On fire with the hope of it all
They were standing in line just like cattle
They were pushed and sorted and shoved
Some were one desk away from sweet freedom
Some were torn from someone they loved
To this sprawling tower of Babel
Came a young man confused and alone
Determined and bound for America
Carrying everything that he owned
My father's own father stood huddled
With the tired, and the hungry and scared
A turn of the century pilgrim
In love with the dream that they shared
Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's eyes
I see that day reflected
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 he stares out the window
But his eyes are still just as clear
As the day he sailed into the harbor
To land on the island of tears
My grandfather's days are numbered
But I won't let his memory die
For he gave me the gift of this country
And the look in his emigrant eyes
Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's eyes
I see that day reflected
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 I gaze with pride at my children
And I marvel how quickly they've grown
Born and raised in America
It's the only home they've ever known
They never knew their great-granddad
Or that he was determined and wise
But I hope that I've passed on his spirit
And the look in his emigrant eyes
Sometimes when I look in my grandfather's eyes
I see that day reflected
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
Never take it it for grated, say grandfather's emigrant eyes