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