[D] It's far away I [G] am to [D] day From scenes I roamed a boy [A] And long ago the [G] hour, I know I first saw [A] Illinois But time not tide, not [D] waters [G] wide, Can wean my [A] heart a [D] way For ever true it [G] flies to [D] you My own dear [G] Galway [D] Bay
Oh, grey and bleak, by shores and creek, The rugged rocks abound, But sweeter green the grass between Than grows on Irish ground. So friendship fond, all wealth beyond, And love that lives always, Bless every home beside 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 earth might hold, I'd never leave your shore; I'd be content whate'er God sent, With neighbours old and grey, And 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. 'Tis all the Heaven I'd ask of God Upon my dying day My soul to soar for evermore Above you, Galway Bay
(A prouder man I'd walk the lad In health and peace of mind, If I might toil and strive and moil, Nor cast one thought behind; But what would be the world to me, Its rank and rich array, If memory I lost of thee, My poor old Galway Bay)