Here's how the words appear in The Ireland Anthology, edited by Sean Dunne (London: Macmillan, 1957), page 138:

(I have boldfaced the words that are different from the ones Blackcatter posted on 31-Jun-2002. Note there is an additional verse.)


GALWAY BAY
(Francis A. Fahy)

'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 own dear 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 eldest 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.

A prouder man I'd walk the land 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 on thee, my poor old Galway Bay.

Oh, grey and bleak, by shore 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 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 earth might hold I'd never leave your shore;
I'd live content whate'er God sent, with neighbours old and grey,
And lay 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 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.


from Irish Songs and Poems (1887)