Immigrant Eyes / Ellis Island lyrics and guitar chords
Written by Guy Clark and Roger Murrah. Sheet music included. The guitar chords are in Chordpro. The youtube video is by P.J Murripy which in my opinion is the best version. A tragic story about Ellis Island New York. It was also recorded by Delores Keane, who along with singing the old Irish folk songs brought out a Scottish song written by Dougie Maclean called Caledonia [ song lyrics / chords ] which became as popular as her version of My Own Dear Galway Bay.
Song Words With Chords In G Major-Easy Version
[G]Oh, Ellis Island was swarming
Like[C] a scene from a costume ball,
[D]Decked out in the colors of Europe,
And[C] on fire[D] with the hope of it [G]all.
[G]There my father's own father stood huddled
With[C] the tired and hungry and scared,
[D]Turn of the century pilgrims,
Bound[C] by the [D]dream that they[G] 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.
[G]Sometimes, when I look in my grand[C]father's immigrant[G] eyes,
I see that[D] day reflected and I can't hold my [C]feelings in[G]side.
I see[C] starting with nothing and working hard all of his[G] life,
So, "[D]Don't take it for granted."[C] Say grandfather's[D] immigrant[G] 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 harbor
And come ashore on the island of tears.
My grandfather's days are numbered,
But I won't let his memory die,
'Cause he gave me the gift of sweet freedom,
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.
Irish song lyrics G-J
[G]Oh, Ellis Island was swarming
Like[C] a scene from a costume ball,
[D]Decked out in the colors of Europe,
And[C] on fire[D] with the hope of it [G]all.
[G]There my father's own father stood huddled
With[C] the tired and hungry and scared,
[D]Turn of the century pilgrims,
Bound[C] by the [D]dream that they[G] 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.
[G]Sometimes, when I look in my grand[C]father's immigrant[G] eyes,
I see that[D] day reflected and I can't hold my [C]feelings in[G]side.
I see[C] starting with nothing and working hard all of his[G] life,
So, "[D]Don't take it for granted."[C] Say grandfather's[D] immigrant[G] 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 harbor
And come ashore on the island of tears.
My grandfather's days are numbered,
But I won't let his memory die,
'Cause he gave me the gift of sweet freedom,
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.
Irish song lyrics G-J
Immigration has been a significant aspect of human history, with people moving from one place to another in search of better opportunities and a better life. The United States, in particular, has been a destination for immigrants from all over the world. The country has welcomed people from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life, making it a melting pot of diversity. However, the journey of an immigrant is not always easy, and many face challenges and discrimination. The song 'Immigrant Eyes' by Roy Clark captures the struggles and triumphs of immigrants in America, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding towards their experiences.
'Immigrant Eyes' was written by Guy Clark and recorded by his brother, folk and country music singer, Roy Clark, in 1982. The song tells the story of an immigrant family's journey to America and their experiences in the new country. The lyrics are a powerful and emotional reflection of the struggles, sacrifices, and dreams of immigrants. The song begins with the line, 'I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien, I'm an Englishman in New York,' referencing the famous song by Sting. However, instead of a privileged Englishman, 'Immigrant Eyes' focuses on the perspective of a working-class immigrant, highlighting the stark contrast in their experiences.
The first verse of the song paints a picture of an immigrant family leaving their homeland in search of a better life. They leave behind everything they know, their language, culture, and traditions, and embark on a journey to a new and unknown land. The lyrics, 'Through the cold and the hunger, through the heat and the pain,' depict the physical and emotional challenges of the journey. The use of the word 'hunger' is significant as it symbolizes the desperation and hope of immigrants for a better life.
As the song progresses, it portrays the struggles faced by immigrants in America. The line, 'Though they often go hungry, they'll never give in,' reflects the determination and resilience of immigrants in the face of adversity. The lyrics also touch upon the discrimination and prejudice immigrants face, with lines such as 'Sometimes they take the short end of the stick,' and 'Some people don't see them, some people don't care.'
However, the song also highlights the triumphs and successes of immigrants. The chorus, 'Immigrant eyes, immigrant eyes, they hold a vision of the promised land,' celebrates the hope and dreams that drive immigrants to leave their homes and start a new life. It also acknowledges the contributions of immigrants to the country, with lines like 'They came to make a living, and they got a lot more,' and 'They didn't take much, they gave their best.'
'Immigrant Eyes' is a powerful commentary on the immigrant experience in America. It sheds light on the sacrifices, struggles, and dreams of immigrants, and challenges the notion of the American Dream. The song highlights the fact that the journey of an immigrant is not always easy, and they face numerous challenges and obstacles. It also emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding towards immigrants, who are often seen as outsiders and face discrimination and prejudice.
The lyrics of the song are relatable to many immigrants, as they encapsulate the universal experiences of leaving one's home, facing challenges in a new country, and striving for a better life. It also resonates with the descendants of immigrants, who can relate to their parents' or grandparents' journey and understand the sacrifices they made for their families.
'Immigrant Eyes' also has a timeless quality, as it is still relevant today, almost four decades after its release. Immigration remains a prominent and controversial topic in America, with debates around policies and attitudes towards immigrants. The song's message of empathy and understanding is as crucial today as it was when the song was first released.
In conclusion, 'Immigrant Eyes' by Roy Clark is more than just a song. It is a powerful and emotional commentary on the immigrant experience in America. The song celebrates the determination, resilience, and contributions of immigrants, while also shedding light on the challenges and discrimination they face. It is a reminder to be empathetic towards immigrants and to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices they make for a better life. 'Immigrant Eyes' will continue to be a significant and relevant song for generations to come, as it captures the universal experiences and dreams of immigrants in America.
'Immigrant Eyes' was written by Guy Clark and recorded by his brother, folk and country music singer, Roy Clark, in 1982. The song tells the story of an immigrant family's journey to America and their experiences in the new country. The lyrics are a powerful and emotional reflection of the struggles, sacrifices, and dreams of immigrants. The song begins with the line, 'I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien, I'm an Englishman in New York,' referencing the famous song by Sting. However, instead of a privileged Englishman, 'Immigrant Eyes' focuses on the perspective of a working-class immigrant, highlighting the stark contrast in their experiences.
The first verse of the song paints a picture of an immigrant family leaving their homeland in search of a better life. They leave behind everything they know, their language, culture, and traditions, and embark on a journey to a new and unknown land. The lyrics, 'Through the cold and the hunger, through the heat and the pain,' depict the physical and emotional challenges of the journey. The use of the word 'hunger' is significant as it symbolizes the desperation and hope of immigrants for a better life.
As the song progresses, it portrays the struggles faced by immigrants in America. The line, 'Though they often go hungry, they'll never give in,' reflects the determination and resilience of immigrants in the face of adversity. The lyrics also touch upon the discrimination and prejudice immigrants face, with lines such as 'Sometimes they take the short end of the stick,' and 'Some people don't see them, some people don't care.'
However, the song also highlights the triumphs and successes of immigrants. The chorus, 'Immigrant eyes, immigrant eyes, they hold a vision of the promised land,' celebrates the hope and dreams that drive immigrants to leave their homes and start a new life. It also acknowledges the contributions of immigrants to the country, with lines like 'They came to make a living, and they got a lot more,' and 'They didn't take much, they gave their best.'
'Immigrant Eyes' is a powerful commentary on the immigrant experience in America. It sheds light on the sacrifices, struggles, and dreams of immigrants, and challenges the notion of the American Dream. The song highlights the fact that the journey of an immigrant is not always easy, and they face numerous challenges and obstacles. It also emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding towards immigrants, who are often seen as outsiders and face discrimination and prejudice.
The lyrics of the song are relatable to many immigrants, as they encapsulate the universal experiences of leaving one's home, facing challenges in a new country, and striving for a better life. It also resonates with the descendants of immigrants, who can relate to their parents' or grandparents' journey and understand the sacrifices they made for their families.
'Immigrant Eyes' also has a timeless quality, as it is still relevant today, almost four decades after its release. Immigration remains a prominent and controversial topic in America, with debates around policies and attitudes towards immigrants. The song's message of empathy and understanding is as crucial today as it was when the song was first released.
In conclusion, 'Immigrant Eyes' by Roy Clark is more than just a song. It is a powerful and emotional commentary on the immigrant experience in America. The song celebrates the determination, resilience, and contributions of immigrants, while also shedding light on the challenges and discrimination they face. It is a reminder to be empathetic towards immigrants and to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices they make for a better life. 'Immigrant Eyes' will continue to be a significant and relevant song for generations to come, as it captures the universal experiences and dreams of immigrants in America.
