ELLIS ISLAND
On the steps of this great hall
Families they were torn
Asunder
For reasons that were known to few
I would lose her eyes from view
And I’d wonder
And in due, time, you, find
We have been, blind, to things so simple
You say of course, but no remorse
These are our shores, it’s elemental
Ellis Island
I’ve laboured these past fifteen years
Swallowed pride and drowned my tears
A mad dance
I’ve sailed across the cruel sea
Left all that was dear to me
For this chance
Now you ask me to explain
My purpose, what I hope to gain
It’s senseless
Treat me like a criminal
Charged with heinous capital
Offenses
It’s what you call rational
But I stand tall
For this is my land
Now it’s been done
This welcome
It’s the sad song
Of Ellis Island
These are the powers now breaking the dawn
These are the houses that keep you warm
These are the dreams you once had in your sleep
These are fine raiments you get to keep
Past Ellis Island
c. Nov 2010/Pearson/Boosh Music/BMI
credits
from Entre Las Americas,
released May 1, 2012
Words & Music: Andrew Pearson (I am one)
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