Another great song from the group Líadan. The song is known alternatively as Galway Bay, My Own Dear Galway Bay, or the ‘old Galway Bay’. It was composed in London by Frank A. Fahy (1854–1935), a native of Kinvara (Co. Galway) on the shores of Galway Bay. It was originally written to air of Skibbereen but is now better known sung to a different air written by the late Tony Small, a Galway native.

My Own Dear Galway Bay

‘Tis 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,
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 mother’s joy, his father’s pride and stay;
With gifts like these I’d live at ease, were I near Galway Bay.

Oh, 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 alway,
Bless each poor home beside your foam, my dear old Galway Bay.

Continue reading →