Oh Ellis Island was swarmingLike a scene from a costume hallDecked out in the colors in EuropeAnd on fire with the hope of it all
There stood my father’s own father stood huddledWith the tired and hungry and scaredTurn of the century pilgrimsBound by the dream that they shared
They were standing in lines just like cattlePoked and prodded and shovedSome were one desk away from sweet freedomSome were were torn from someone they love
Through this sprawling tower of babelCame a young man confused and aloneDetermined and bound for AmericaAnd carryin’ everything that he owned
Sometimes when I look in my grandfather’s Immigrant EyesI see that day reflected and I can’t hold my feelings insideI see starting with nothing and working hard all of his lifeSo don’t take it for granted say grandfather’s Immigrant Eyes
Now he rocks and stares out the windowBut his eyes are still just as clearAs the day he sailed through the harborAnd come ashore on the island of tears
My grandfather’s days are numberedBut I won’ t let his memory die‘Cause he gave me the gift of this countryAnd the look in his Immigrant Eyes
Willie Nelson is an American songwriter and guitarist who was one of the most popular country music singers of the late 20th century.