Galway Bay

'Tis far away I am to—day 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
For ever true it flies to you, my dear old Galway Bay.

My chosen bride is by my side, her brown hair silver—grey,
Her daughter Rose as like her grows as April dawn to—day.
Our only boy, his mothers joy? his father's pride and stay;
With gifts like these I'd live at ease—were I near Galway Bay.

O! grey and bleak, by shore and creek, the rugged rocks abound,
But sweet and green the grass between as grows on Irish ground,
So friendship fond, all wealth beyond, and love that lives always,
Bless each poor 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 world might hold I'd never quit your Shore,
I'd live content whatever God sent with neighbours old and gray,
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 blessing of a lonely man whose heart will soon be clay;
'Tis all the Heaven I'll ask of God upon my dying day,
My soul to soar for ever more above you, Galway Bay.