Ellis Island Lyrics

Marc Cohn Ellis Island Written by Marc Cohn
Marc Cohn vocals/acoustic guitar
Larry Campbell acoustic guitar
John Leventhal high strung guitar
Jon Brion harmonium
Jane Scarpentoni cello
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 rollin' 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 runnin' for their lives
To the land of opportunity
Oh down on Ellis Island
What is this strange paradise
They must've wondered through the cries and moans
After all they sacrificed,
Their faith, their families, friends and homes
Then on the separation stairs
They were counted out, or counted in
Frozen while the inspector stared
Down on Ellis Island
Oh down on Ellis Island
Who-o-oh yea-a-ah
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
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'd never seen before
Were shining down on Ellis Island
Shining down on Ellis Island
From Marc Cohn "Burning the Daze"
Atlantic Records 1997
Museum Steps Music(ASCAP)