Story Behind The Song
The song was written originally as a David Gilmour type ballad mixed with Simon and Garfunkel influences. It was originally in 4/4 meter, but it sounded too much like "Sounds of Silence". With a meter change to 6/8, it started to take shape as a Celtic/Irish song very quickly. Originally written as a song about my wife, Dana Lee, it was thankfully altered to a name that is tied to Judeo-Christian geography, and so became a part-spiritual/part-love song.
Song Description
Irish-inspired song of inspiration dealing with the longing for the warmth of the familiar surroundings of home and/or loved ones.
Song Length |
5:12 |
Genre |
World - Celtic, Folk - Traditional |
Tempo |
Non 4/4 |
Lead Vocal |
Duet Male |
Mood |
Joyful, Serene |
Subject |
Healing, Ocean, Sea |
Similar Artists |
Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan |
Language |
English |
Era |
1960 - 1969 |
| |
Lyrics
Sweet Galilee
by Michael M. Masuda 7/15/99
O my Sweet Galilee
You mean the world to me
You are my light, my love, and you're my destiny
When others confide in me
They speak of your honesty
Back in your warm embrace
That's where they long to be
And in my hour of need
You come to comfort me
O Sweet Galilee
I walked on your silent shores
Until I could walk no more
The promise of light and love
Whispered for evermore
As far as my eyes could see
I followed my destiny
Holding a fire of hope
Burning inside of me
And in my hour of need
You come to comfort me
O Sweet Galilee
Often I wondered of riches and fame
Would I see through a millionaire's eyes
And many times wandered through overcast mountains
To look for the bluest of skies
But something inside me said I should return
To the place of my humble refrain
To bless my misguided and worldly visions
Embraced by your velvet terrain
Galilee...
A fool has come visiting
With no treasures, no offerings
With only a soul with years of
Lying, denying, and fighting and torturing
And now in his final days
Hoping to mend his ways
He seeks his home, a home
Clear of the lures he seeked
And in my hour of need
You come to comfort me
O Sweet Galilee
la la la, etc.