Ellis Island
Marc Cohn Lyrics

I was driving down Ninth Avenue
I was aimlessly driving through the city

As the sky was getting dark
As the day was coming to an end

Didn't have nothin' else to do
I had no other obligations or plans

So I kept on riding to Battery Park
So I continued on to Battery Park

I stepped out in the damp and misty night
I got out of my car into the wet and foggy weather

As the fog was rolling in
As the mist was thickening and covering the area

Man said, "Last boat leaving tonight Is the boat for Ellis Island"
A person informed me that the final ship departing that night was bound for Ellis Island

As my feet touched solid ground
As I stepped onto the firm surface of the island

I felt a chill run down my spine
I experienced a sudden shiver of emotions

I could almost hear the sound of thousands pushing through the lines
I could sense the hustle and bustle of thousands of people shuffling through the lines waiting to be inspected

Mothers and bewildered wives that sailed across the raging sea
Women who travelled across the turbulent ocean with their children and uncertain futures

Others running for their lives to the land of opportunity
People who were fleeing their homeland and seeking a better life elsewhere

Down on Ellis Island
On this particular island where the story takes place

"What is this strange paradise?" They must've wondered through their cries and moans
The newcomers were likely confused and in disbelief about this new place that they found themselves, while experiencing emotional hardship

After all they've sacrificed Their faith, their families, friends and homes
Despite having given up their faiths, families, friends, and the place they used to call home

Then on the Inspection Stairs They were counted out or counted in
Once they climbed the stairs where the inspection process took place, they were either approved to stay or marked for return

Frozen while the inspectors stared Down on Ellis Island
They were immobilized with nervousness as the officials closely looked over and judged them

Now me I only stumbled in Just to wander around that empty hall
In contrast to the immigrants who went through intense inspection and emotions, I casually walked in to explore the deserted hall

Where someone else's fate had been Decided in no time at all
Realizing that others' lives were altered and resolved in the same space in mere moments

And cases filled with hats and clothes And the belongings of those who journeyed far
Boxes packed with articles of clothing and other materials that travellers brought on their journey to this new country

They're strange reminders I suppose Of where we're from and who we are
These items are peculiar, yet reminiscent of the places we came from and how they help shape us

But as the boat pulled off the shore
As the ship began to leave the dock

I could see the fog was lifting And lights I never seen before Were shining down on Ellis Island Shining down on Ellis Island
The cloud of mist began to dissipate and unfamiliar lights illuminated the view, making it clear once more that this is Ellis Island - this is where history was made