Traditional

It's far away I am today from scenes I'd wandered by,
And long ago, the hour, I know, I first saw Illinois.
For time, nor tide, nor waters wide, could wean my heart away.
Forever true, it flies to you, my own dear Galway Bay.

Oh grey and bleak by shores and creeks, the rugged rocks abound,
And sweet and green the grass between, as grows on Irish ground.
The friendships fond, and wealth abound, and the love that lives always.
Bless every home beside your foam, my own dear Galway Bay.

Had I youth's blood an hopeful mood and a heart of fire once more,
For all the gold the world might hold I'd never leave your shore.
I'd be content with whatever God sent, with neighbors old and grey.
I'd lay my bones ‘neath churchyard stones, above you Galway Bay.

The blessings 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 of heaven I ask of God upon my dying day,
My soul will soar forevermore above you Galway Bay.