Immigrant Eyes - Lyrics by Guy Clark and Robert Murrah (last verse added by Bob Harke). As recorded by Kennedy’s Kitchen on “Music in the Glen”
Old Ellis Island was swarming, G
Like a scene from a costume ball, Am
Decked out in the colors of Europe, D7
On fire with the hope of it all, C D7 G
There my father's own father stood huddled
With the tired and the hungry and scared,
The turn of the century pilgrims,
Bound with the dream that they shared.
They were standing in line just like cattle,
They were poked and sorted and shoved;
Some were one desk away from sweet freedom;
Some were torn from someone they loved.
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 immigrant eyes, C G
I see that day reflected and I can't hold my feelings inside. C G
I see starting with nothing and working hard all of his life, C G
‘Don't take it for granted' say Grandfather's immigrant eyes. D7 C G
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 immigrant eyes.
How 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 immigrant eyes.