Harbours opened their arms  
To the young searching foreigner
Come to live in the light  
Of the beacon of liberty

Planes and open skies  
Billboards would advertise
Was it anything like that  
When you arrived

Dreamboats carry the future  
To the heart of America
People were waiting in line for a place  
By the river

It was a time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play, they tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune and there was so much room  
That people could come from everywhere

Now he arrives with his hopes  
And his heart set on miracles
Come to marry his fortune  
With a hand full of promises

To find they've closed the door  
They don't want him anymore
Isn't anymore  
To go around

Turning away he remembers  
He once heard a legend  
That spoke of a mystical magical land  
Called America

There was a time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play, they tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune and there was so much room  
That people could come from everywhere

There was a time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play, they tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune and there was so much room  
That people could come from everywhere

here was a time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play, they tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune and there was so much room  
That people could come from everywhere