Folk and Traditional Song Lyrics:
My Own Dear Galway Bay

My Own Dear Galway Bay

My Own Dear Galway Bay
(Frank 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
Not time nor tide nor water wide
 could wean my heart away
But straight and true 'twill fly to you
 my own dear Galway Bay

My chosen bride is by my side
 her brown hair silver-grey
Our daughter Rose as like her grows
 as April dawn to day
Our eldest son, our chosen one
 his father's pride and stay
With gifts like these I'd live at ease
 Beside you Galway Bay

By shore and creek both grey and bleak
 the rugged rocks abound
But sweeter green the grass between
 than grows on Irish ground
So friendhip fond all else beyond
 and love to live always
Bless each dear home beside your foam
 my own dear Galway Bay

Had I youth's blood and hopeful mood
 and heart of fire once more
For all the gold the earth could hold
 I'd never leave your shore
I'd live content whatever God sent
 midst neighbors old and grey
And leave 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 poor old man
 whose heart will soon be clay
'Tis all the heaven I ask of God
 upon my dying day
My soul to soar forever more
 above you, Galway Bay

Z
oct97