Galway Bay
View chords used in this chart
G D7
If you ever go across the sea to Ireland
G
Then maybe at the closing of your day
C
You will sit and watch the moon rise over Claddagh
D7 G
And see the sun go down on Galway Bay
D7
Just to hear again the rippling of the trout stream
G
See the women in the meadows making hay
C
And to sit beside a turf fire in the cabin
D7 G
And watch the barefoot gossoons at their play
D7
For the strangers came and tried to teach us their way
G
They scorn us just for being what we are
C
But they might as well go chasing after moonbeams
D7 G
Or light a penny candle from a star
D7
And if there's going to be a life hereafter
G
And somehow I am sure there's going to be
C
I will ask my God to let me make my heaven
D7 G
In that dear land across the Irish sea
D7 G
So I can watch the sun go down on Galway Bay
How to play Galway Bay
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is G. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.