Townes Van Zandt – Immigrant Eyes

Townes Van Zandt – Immigrant Eyes Lyrics

Artist: Townes Van Zandt
Song: Immigrant Eyes

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 were torn from someone they love

Through this sprawling Tower of Babel
Came a young man confused and alone
Determined and bound for America
Carrying 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
“So don’t take it for granted,” say grandfather’s immigrant eyes

Now he rocks and stares out the window
But his eyes are still just as clear
As the day he sailed through the harbor
And come ashore on the island of tears

My grandfather’s days are numbered
But I won’t let his memory die
Because 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
“So don’t take it for granted,” say grandfather’s immigrant eyes

“No don’t take it for granted,” say grandfather’s immigrant eyes
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Townes Van Zandt Lyrics – Immigrant Eyes

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From the album:
Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark – Together At The Bluebird Café
Release Year: 1988