Immigrant Eyes

Oh, 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 hungry and scared Turn of the century pilgrims Bound by the dream that they shared They were standing in line just like cattle Poked and sorted and shoved Some were one desk away from freedom Some 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 all that he owned Sometimes when I looked in my grandfather's immigrant eyes I saw that day reflected and couldn't hold my feelings inside I saw started with nothing and working hard all of his life "So don't take it for granted" said grandfather's immigrant eyes He would rock and stare out the window But his eyes were still just as clear As the day he sailed through the Harbor And came ashore on that island of tears My grandfather's days were 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 Sometimes when I looked in my grandfather's immigrant eyes I saw that day reflected and couldn't hold my feelings inside I saw started with nothing and working hard all of his life "So don't take it for granted" said grandfather's immigrant eyes "Don't take it for granted" said grandfather's immigrant eyes