Galway Bay

It's far away I am today from scenes I roamed a boy

And long ago the hour I know I first saw Illinois

But time nor tide nor waters wide could wean my heart away

For ever true it flies to you, my dear old Galway Bay

Oh, grey and bleak, by shore and creek, the rugged rocks abound

But sweet and green the grass between, as grows on Irish ground

So friendship fond, all wealth beyond, and love that lives alway

Bless every home beside your foam, my dear old Galway Bay

Had I youth's blood and hopeful mood and a heart of fire once more

For all the gold the world might hold I'd never quit your shore

I'll be content whate'er God sent with neighbours old and gray

And lay my bones, 'neath churchyard stones, beside you, Galway Bay

The blessings of a poor old man be with you night and day

The blessings of a lonely man whose heart will soon be clay

It's all the Heaven I'll ask of God upon my dying day

My soul to soar for ever more above you, Galway Bay