Ellis Island chords
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Marc Cohn Ellis Island Written by Marc Cohn
Marc Cohn vocals/acoustic guitar
Larry Campbell acoustic guitar
John Leventhal high strung guitar
Jon Brion harmonium
Jane Scarpentoni cello
Am G F C Am G F C
Am G F C
I was driving down Ninth Avenue
Am G F C
As the sky was getting dark
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Didn't have nothin' else to do
Am G F C
So I kept on riding to Battery Park
Am G F C
I stepped out in the damp and misty night
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As the fog was rollin' in
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Man said, "Last boat leaving tonight
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Is the boat for Ellis Island
Am G F C Am G F C
Am G F C
As my feet touched solid ground,
Am G F C
I felt a chill run down my spine
Am G F C
I could almost hear the sound
Am G F C
Of thousands pushing through the lines
Am G F C
Mothers and bewildered wives
Am G F C
That sailed across the raging sea
Am G F C
Others runnin' for their lives
Am G F C
To the land of opportunity
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Oh down on Ellis Island
Bb F
What is this strange paradise
Am F
They must've wondered through the cries and moans
Bb F
After all they sacrificed,
Gm Bb Am F C
Their faith, their families, friends and homes
Am G F C
Then on the separation stairs
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They were counted out, or counted in
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Frozen while the inspector stared
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Down on Ellis Island
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Oh down on Ellis Island
Bb F Am F
Who-o-oh yea-a-ah
Bb F Am F C
Am G F C
Now me I only stumbled in
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Just to wander around that empty hall
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Where someone else's fate had been
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Decided in no time at all
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Cases filled with hats and clothes
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And the belongings of those who journeyed far
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They're strange reminders I suppose
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Of where we're from and who we are
Am G F C
But as the boat pulled off the shore
Am G F C
I could see the fog was lifting
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And lights I'd never seen before
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Were shining down on Ellis Island
Am G F C
Shining down on Ellis Island
Am G F C Am G F C
From Marc Cohn "Burning the Daze"
Atlantic Records 1997
Museum Steps Music(ASCAP)