Hocal iltotctan Leon Gallant , owner of the band Leon P. Gallant and Friends, has been enjoying the entertain¬ ment business for the last few years. He has a natural talent for playing a varied number of instruments. He and his band members have been providing a varied selection of music for the local restaurants, cabarets, dance halls as well as participating in the annual Women 's Institute concert at the local hall. Although he has worked in Toronto , ON for the winter months for a number of years his thoughts always return to his home in Stanley Bridge . The following story describes Leon's feelings during his years of working in Toronto , his long¬ ing for the land of his birth, Prince Edward Island , and his home in Stanley Bridge which he says is "down by the bay". Down By When these pastures of plenty deplete into sand I know a place in this great land You can see it from New Brunswick on a clear and sunny day It's Prince Edward Island with my home down by the bay. Down by the bay boy, where the great seagulls fly Down by the bay boy, where the salt gets in your eye Down by the bay boy, where I'm very seldom sad Down by the bay boy, home of my Mom and Dad. In the city of down on old I've made many friends and that you cannot beat But I heard a voice summon me in the eastwind one day It was calling me back to my home down by the bay. Down by the bay boy, where the wind blows through your hair Down by the bay boy, where the people really care Down by the bay boy, home of the wild goose in the fall Down by the bay boy, all for one and one for all! Now, all over this great wide world no matter where I roam I've always heard it said, "There's no place like home". And yes, I'm a believer when I hear that phrase So, won't you carry me back to my home down by the bay. Down by the bay boy,where the tide runs strong but smooth Down by the bay boy, let the spirit heal and soothe Down by the bay boy, find the will to carry on Down by the bay boy, that's where I belong. So when the pastures of plenty deplete into sand I know a place in this great land You can see it from New Brunswick on a clear and sunny day It's Prince Edward Island with my home down by the bay. Music and words written by Leon Gallant . Copyright 1996 {see } 494