The Gates of Ellis Lyrics – by Nanker Tillis
copyright Kay-Wal Music, LLC
It’s for a hundred years, and a million tears
it’s not that long ago
as the lines drew longer, the will grew stronger
the bells of freedoms mighty toll
The lady in the harbor, outstretched arms, gladly
there to tell us, Come one and all, try not to fall
as you pass through the Gates of Ellis
Anticipation grew, each spirit knew
as their fingers tightly clutched
that little piece of paper, for which they sacrificed so much
each voice would speak of what lie ahead, but no one had to tell us
come one and all, big or small, as you pass through the Gates of Ellis
Grandfathers talked of such a day, a victory in itself
but they knew of things they could only dream
would be lived by someone else
The exodus has brought us here, from the peasant to the zealous
Come one and all, stand proud and tall, as you pass through The Gates of Ellis
Immigrant or heaven sent, makes no difference how it falls
every face seemed out of place, patiently waits for the roll calls
some turned away in tears of rage, but no man can buy or sell us
The great escape we all await as we pass through The Gates of Ellis