My Own Dear 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 can wean my heart away Forever true it flies to you, my own dear Galway Bay Oh, grey and bleak, by shore and creek, the rugged rocks abound But sweeter green the grass between that grows on Irish ground So friendship fond, all wealth beyond and love that lives always Bless every home around your foam, my dear old Galway Bay Had I youth's blood and hopeful mood and heart of fire once more For all the gold the world may 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