Refrein:
Oh, the harbour lights are calling, and the anchor she is weighed.
Oh, the harbour lights are calling, and I must be on my way.
And the ship she lies awaiting. Oh, you know that I can’t stay.
For the harbour lights are calling, leading me to Americay.

Oh, now dry your eyes, dear mother; wish me luck upon my way,
For you surely would not wish for me to stay in Galway Bay,
There'll be seven mouths awaiting, you can have my share today,
Dry your eyes don’t be forsaken, turn around and walk away.

Refrein:
Oh, the harbour lights are calling, and the anchor she is weighed.
Oh, the harbour lights are calling, and I must be on my way.
And the ship she lies awaiting. Oh, you know that I can’t stay.
For the harbour lights are calling, leading me to Americay.

Oh you know, my life is wasted, there's no work and none to pay.
I have dreams and aspirations; I must follow them my way.
I won't stay and be a burden, on this fam’ly day by day.
To Americay I'm heading, leaving you in Galway Bay.

Refrein:
Oh, the harbour lights are calling, and the anchor she is weighed.
Oh, the harbour lights are calling, and I must be on my way.
And the ship she lies awaiting. Oh, you know that I can’t stay.
For the harbour lights are calling, leading me to Americay.

There's a shilling in my pocket, and there's patches on my coat.
I've a ticket in me clutches, as I step on to the boat.
There'll be tears and there'll be heart-ache, as I leave you all and go.
But a life of wealth and wonder, is awaiting there I know.

Refrein:
Oh, the harbour lights are calling, and the anchor she is weighed.
Oh, the harbour lights are calling, and I must be on my way.
And the ship she lies awaiting. Oh, you know that I can’t stay.
For the harbour lights are calling, leading me to Americay.