Ellis Island Lyrics - Singles - 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 touch 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 separation stairs 

They were counted out or counted in 

Frozen while the inspectors stared 

Down on Ellis Island 

Down on Ellis Island 

Me, I only stumbled in 

Just to wander around that empty hall 

Where someone elses fate had been 

Decided in no time at all 

And cases filled with hats and clothes 

And the belongings of those who journeyed far 

Their strange reminders, I suppose 

Of where were from and who we are 

But as the boat pulled off the shore 

I could see the fog was lifting 

And lights I'd never seen before 

Were shining down on Ellis Island 

Shining down on Ellis Island