Song: Grandfather’s Immigrant Eyes
Imagine leaving your home, your country, often having never seen a building taller than a few stories, now going to America - to New York, Chicago or Boston, only for want of a job, any job, and some food. Just wanting a chance to make your own way. Many, many of my friends have lived this song, with their grandfathers. To a lesser degree, I did with my own dad, who emigrated in 1951. The isle of tears referred to is Ellis Island.
This is an old classic. Most notably sung by Alec DeGabriele of New Barleycorn.
My Grandfather’s Immigrant Eyes
by Guy Clark
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 lines just like cattle,
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,
And carryin’ everything that he owned.
Sometimes, when I look in my grandfather’s immigrant eyes,
I see that day reflected and I can’t hold my feelings inside.
I see starting with nothing and working hard all of his life,
Don’t take it for granted, your grandfather’s immigrant eyes.
Now he rocks and he stares out the window,
But his eyes are still just as clear,
As the day he sailed through the harbour
And come ashore 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.
Sometimes, when I look in my grandfather’s immigrant eyes,
I see that day reflected and I can’t hold my feelings inside.
I see starting with nothing and working hard all of his life,
Don’t take it for granted, your grandfather’s immigrant eyes.