Galway Bay

Francis Fahy

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 not tide, nor waters wide
Could wean my heart away
Forever true it flies to you
My own dear Galway Bay

Oh, grey and bleak, by shores and creek
The rugged rocks abound
But sweet and green the grass between
Has grows on Irish ground
So friendship fond, all wealth abound
And the love that lives always
Bless every home beside you foam
My dear old Galway Bay

Had I youth’s blood and hopeful mood
And the heart of fire once more
For all the gold the world might hold
I’d never leave your shore
I’d be content with whatever God sent
With neighbours old and grey
And I’d lay my bones ‘neath churchyard stones
Beside you, Galway Bay

The blessing 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’d ask of God
Upon my dying day
My soul to soar for evermore
Above you, Galway Bay

Not to be confused with Galway Bay or Galway Bay.