Ellis Island - Marc Cohn

I was driving down Ninth Avenue

As the sky was getting dark

Didn’t have nothin' else to do

So I kept on riding to Battery Park

I stepped out in the damp and misty night

As the fog was rolling in

Man said, «Last boat leaving tonight

Is the boat for Ellis Island»

As my feet touched solid ground

I felt a chill run down my spine

I could almost hear the sound

Of thousands pushing through the lines

Mothers and bewildered wives

That sailed across the raging sea

Others running for their lives

To the land of opportunity

Down on Ellis Island

«What is this strange paradise?»

They must’ve wondered through their cries and moans

After all they’ve sacrificed

Their faith, their families, friends and homes

Then on the Inspection Stairs

They were counted out or counted in

Frozen while the inspectors stared

Down on Ellis Island

Now me I only stumbled in

Just to wander around that empty hall

Where someone else’s fate had been

Decided in no time at all

And cases filled with hats and clothes

And the belongings of those who journeyed far

They’re strange reminders I suppose

Of where we’re from and who we are

But as the boat pulled off the shore

I could see the fog was lifting

And lights I never seen before

Were shining down on Ellis Island

Shining down on Ellis Island