"My Own Dear Galway Bay"

No personal notes.

Wikipedia claims that "Galway Bay" is the name of two different songs, but there is at least one (additional) fiddle tune by that name (see the Fiddler's Companion link) and in Cape Breton 'the Rakes of Kildare' is known as the 'Galway Bay Jig'.... The first song (My Own Dear Galway Bay) is 'traditionally more popular and known in the Galway Bay area'. The second song is (according to wikipedia) more popular outside of Ireland. This is about the first song; "My Own Dear Galway Bay"

The first song is known alternatively as Galway Bay, My Own Dear Galway Bay, or the 'old version of Galway Bay'. It was composed in London by Frank A. Fahy (1845-1935), 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 commonly attributed to Tony Small. A note here is that on one of the albums of "Wild Geese" (the band Tony played with), is is referenced as "Galway Bay (Francis A. Fahy/Trad./Arr. Wild Geese)". I'm thinking it might simply be an arrangement of "A' Ye Hawkers..", like Tribute to Newfoundland... One of the most renowned recordings of the later version was by the Irish singer Dolores Keane. Here's a YouTube recording - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQHxsZDkrPU of Dolores performing it. It is a beuatiful air, and I think we should work this one up too.

My Own Dear Galway Bay
(Frank Fahy)

It's far away I am today
from scenes I roamed a boy
And long ago the hour, I know
I first saw Illinois
Not time nor tide nor water wide
could wean my heart away
But straight and true 'twill fly to you
my own dear Galway Bay

My chosen bride is by my side
her brown hair silver-grey
Our daughter Rose as like her grows
as April dawn to day
Our eldest son, our chosen one
his father's pride and stay
With gifts like these I'd live at ease
Beside you Galway Bay

By shore and creek both grey and bleak
the rugged rocks abound
But sweeter green the grass between
than grows on Irish ground
So friendhip fond all else beyond
and love to live always
Bless each dear home beside your foam
my own dear Galway Bay

Had I youth's blood and hopeful mood
and heart of fire once more
For all the gold the earth could hold
I'd never leave your shore
I'd live content whatever God sent
midst neighbors old and grey
And leave my bones 'neath churchyard stones
beside you Galway Bay

The blessings of a poor old man
be with you night and day
The blessings of a poor old man
whose heart will soon be clay
'Tis all the heaven I ask of God
upon my dying day
My soul to soar forever more
above you, Galway Bay