Catania Bay
(Jenny By The Sea)

   The sun rises over the Ionian Sea 

Shines down on Catania and one who must be 

The loveliest lady in all Sicily. 

That is my Jenny. She lives by the sea. 

 

She smiles as she rises, her ebony curls 

Cascade past her shoulders, and shine of black pearls 

She dresses and readies herself for her day 

Selling flowers in the market near Catania Bay 

 

(chorus) 

Catania, please watch over Jenny, I pray. Hold her in your arms as she makes her way 

I cannot be with her, my heart worries so. Catania, protect her wherever she goes 

 

I left for the mainland two years ago now 

To seek fame and fortune as best I know how. 

A poet, a writer, a weaver of song. 

I’d be back for Jenny before very long 

 

From Naples to Paris to Berlin I roamed. 

No song could I sell, no story, no poem. 

Now London, a penniless troubadour, me. 

I cannot go back now for Jenny will see 

 

(chorus) 

Catania, please tell her that I’m doing well. The offers are coming, just too soon to tell 

And soon as I can I will come back to stay, to share life with Jenny in Catania Bay 

 

The market grows quiet, her day’s work is done. 

She sold all her flowers, but saved the best one. 

The rose in her hand is for me far away 

As night falls dear Jenny walks home towards the bay 

 

She lights a small candle and places it there 

Alongside the rose, by her window with care. 

A flicker of light shining out towards the sea. 

A wish for safe journeys, from Jenny to me. 

 

(chorus) 

Catania, dear Jenny now closes her eyes. Keep her safe and warm through another sunrise. 

Give her a kiss, a sweet dream where she lay. A dream that I’ll be back in her arms one day. 

As moonlight pours over Catania Bay.

​