Staten Island
Johnny McEvoy Lyrics
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To the wild Atlantic we said farewell
On Staten Island when we landed
There we had our tale to tell
We′re the poor, the huddled masses
We have crossed the lonely sea
Left the Old World for the New World
We left our homes in forty-seven
Turned our backs against the wind
From our ships of creakin' timber
We bid farewell to a famished land
We′re the poor, the huddled masses
We have crossed the lonely sea
Left the Old World for the New World
Left the old ways to be free
With heavy hearts we left behind us
Memories of better days
Old men talkin', laughin'
As we danced the night away
We′re the poor, the huddled masses
We have crossed the lonely sea
Left the Old World for the New World
Left the old ways to be free
Still we hear their voices calling
On the wind we hear their sound
Friends and loved ones, old and young ones
Lie beneath the fallen mound
We′re the poor, the huddled masses
We have crossed the lonely sea
Left the Old World for the New World
Left the old ways to be free
Now those years are far behind us
Now our spirits have grown strong
In this land that gave us freedom
And the will to carry on
We're the poor, the huddled masses
We have crossed the lonely sea
Left the Old World for the New World
Left the old ways to be free
We′re the poor, the huddled masses
We have crossed the lonely sea
Left the Old World for the New World
Left the old ways to be free
The lyrics of Johnny McEvoy's song "Staten Island" are a tribute to the millions of immigrants who arrived in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The song tells the story of a group of Irish emigrants who left their homeland in 1847 during the Great Famine for a chance at a better life in America. They sailed down the Hudson River, bid farewell to their old lives, and landed on Staten Island, where they had their tale to tell.
The song describes the journey of the poor, the huddled masses, who left their homes and families, and turned their backs against the wind, leaving behind a famished land. They left the old world for the new world, seeking to be free from the old ways. Although they left everything behind, they still hear the voices of their loved ones calling, and they carry with them the memories of better days.
McEvoy's tribute song provides a message of hope and resilience, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices that these immigrants made in their search for a better life. The final verses recognize that their travails are far behind them, and their spirits have grown strong. They recognize that they are the poor, the huddled masses, but they have crossed the lonely sea, left the old world for the new world, and left the old ways to be free. In the end, they are grateful for the opportunities they have been given and the will to carry on.
Line by Line Meaning
We sailed our ship down the Hudson River
Starting our journey on the Hudson River, we were ready to embark on our new adventure.
To the wild Atlantic we said farewell
We said goodbye to our old life and our old ways as we entered the vast unknown of the Atlantic.
On Staten Island when we landed
Our new life began as we stepped off the boat and onto Staten Island.
There we had our tale to tell
We had a story to share about our journey and our hopes for the future.
We're the poor, the huddled masses
We are the less fortunate and oppressed people who were seeking a new life in America.
We have crossed the lonely sea
We have experienced a difficult and isolating journey across the ocean.
Left the Old World for the New World
We left behind our old way of life and embraced the opportunities of the new world.
Left the old ways to be free
We left behind our old oppressions and traditions to find freedom in America.
With heavy hearts we left behind us
We had mixed emotions leaving behind our old life and loved ones.
Memories of better days
We cherished the memories of our past, but held hope for a better future.
Old men talkin', laughin'
We remembered the joy of simpler times and the laughter of our elders.
As we danced the night away
We celebrated our new journey with each other and the hope of a brighter future.
Still we hear their voices calling
We are reminded of our loved ones left behind and their impact on our lives.
On the wind we hear their sound
The memories of our past and loved ones are carried to us on the wind.
Friends and loved ones, old and young ones
Our memories and loved ones range in age and relationship, but each is cherished.
Lie beneath the fallen mound
Our loved ones who have passed away now rest beneath the earth's surface.
Now those years are far behind us
Our difficult journey and the memories of our past are now in the distant past.
Now our spirits have grown strong
We have grown in strength and perseverance through the struggles of our new life.
In this land that gave us freedom
We have found a new home in America with new opportunities and freedoms.
And the will to carry on
We have the determination to overcome any obstacle and continue living our new life in America.
Writer(s): Traditional, Hamish Moore, Dick Lee
Contributed by Violet Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mia Reynolds
I love this song!
mary jane Prouty
As I listen again I can realize the togetherness of Irish and Irish/Americans. Irish/Americans revere their heritage. And the USA has so benefitted from the many gifts of that heritage.My granddaughter, 21, raised and educated in Atlanta and in Statesboro, has spoken to me of a celtic music here. I would also include Johnny's Lincoln's Army.
werewolf231000
I remember my father listening to this and singing it and playing it
mary jane Prouty
Most of my Irish forbears arrived in the US in the late 1870's. My grandfather, my Dad's father was born here in 1880--I have his Baptismal certificate. He played classical violin and this two brothers classical piano. All three earned engineering degrees by leading the local town orchestra. Not a few Irish were upper middle class. They and many other Irish did well.
GlasgowCeltic88
First heard Johnny singing this on the 'Water is Wide' tape back in the late 90's. Not been able to get it out my head since. 5*s GC88
swiss Man
driving around with my uncle yrs ago he would always listen to tapes of johnny,only now i listen to the words even though the songs are so familiar to me!i miss those innocent days in offaly!
hooleyqueen
my dear, some of the ships did indeed land at Staten Island and then sailed onward to Ellis Island Immigration Station. Frank Mc Court writes about this in the sequel to his NY Times Best selling autobiography, Angela's Ashes which documents his childhood growing up in Limerick, in the Republic of Ireland. In the sequel, Tis he comes to America (NY) at 19 to begin a new life.
clarence newman
If everyone was irish the world would be a better place
17_ MaThis
It is a very good song thank you 👍👍
19GodSaveIreland16
is this off a dvd? if it is can you tell me where i can find it.