Just got through listening to Seamus' version. I thought I remembered his version being longer, and a couple of phrases are switched from the listing above.   Since Seamus sings it this way, it's gotta be the right way!! :-)

Emigrant Eyes (Guy Clark, as performed by Seamus Kennedy, on his cd, "Let The Music Take You Home")

Old Ellis Island was swarming,
like a scene from a costume ball,
Decked out in the colors of Europe,
on fire with the hope of it all.
They were standing in line just like cattle,
they were pushed and sorted and shoved,
Some were one desk away from sweet freedom,
some were torn from someone they loved.

To this sprawling tower of Babel,
came a young man confused and alone,
Determined and bound for America,
carrying everything that he owned.
My father's own father stood huddled,
with the tired and hungry and scared,
A turn of the century pilgrim,
in love with the dreams that they shared.

(chorus)
Sometimes when I look in my grandfathers emigrant eyes,
I see that day reflected, I can't hold my feelings inside.
I see starting with nothing and working hard all of his life,
So don't take it for granted, say grandfather's emigrant eyes.

Now he rocks and he stares out the window,
but his eyes are still just as clear,
As the day he sailed into the harbor,
to land on the island of tears.
Now My grandfather's days are numbered,
but I won't let his memory die,
For He gave me the gift of this country,
and the look in his emigrant eyes.

(repeat chorus)

Now I gaze with pride at my children,
and I marvel how quickly they've grown,
Born and raised in America,
it's the only home they've ever known.
Now they never knew their great granddad,
or that he was determined and wise,
But I hope that I've passed on his spirit,
and the look in his emigrant eyes.

repeat chorus,
repeat last line,
Never take it for granted, say grandfather's emigrant eyes