Ellis Island
View chords used in this chart
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
Am G F C
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
Am G F C
As the fog was rollin' in
Am G F C
Man said, "Last boat leaving tonight
Am G F C
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
Am G F C
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
Am G F C
They were counted out, or counted in
Am G F C
Frozen while the inspector stared
Am G F C
Down on Ellis Island
Am G F C
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
Am G F C
Just to wander around that empty hall
Am G F C
Where someone else's fate had been
Am G F C
Decided in no time at all
Am G F C
Cases filled with hats and clothes
Am G F C
And the belongings of those who journeyed far
Am G F C
They're strange reminders I suppose
Am G F C
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
Am G F C
And lights I'd never seen before
Am G F C
Were shining down on Ellis Island
Am G F C
Shining down on Ellis Island
Am G F C Am G F C
Atlantic Records 1997
Museum Steps Music(ASCAP)
How to play Ellis Island
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Am. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.