[Verse 1]
I was driving down Ninth Avenue
As the sky was getting dark
Didn't have nothing else to do
So I kept on riding to Battery Park

[Verse 2]
I stepped out in the damp and misty night
As the fog was rolling in
Man said "Last boat leaving tonight
Is the boat for Ellis Island"

[Verse 3]
As my feet touched solid ground
I felt a chill run down my spine
I could almost hear the sound
Of thousands pushing through the lines

[Verse 4]
Mothers and bewildered wives
That sailed across the raging sea
Others running for their lives
To the land of opportunity
Oh, down on Ellis Island

[Bridge]
"What is this strange paradise?"
They must have wondered through the cries and moans
After all they sacrificed
Their faith, their families, friends and homes
[Verse 5]
Then on the separation stairs
They were counted out or counted in
Frozen while the inspector stared
Down on Ellis Island
Oh, down on Ellis Island

[Bridge]
Oh
Yeah
Yeah

[Verse 6]
Me I only stumbled in
Just to wander around that empty hall
Where someone else's fate had been
Decided in no time at all

[Verse 7]
And cases filled with hats and clothes
And the belongings of those who journeyed far
They're strange reminders I suppose
Of where we're from and who we are

[Verse 8]
But as the boat pulled off the shore
I could see the fog was liftin'
And lights I'd never seen before
Were shining down on Ellis Island
Shining down on Ellis Island