Following in the footsteps of Jean-Pierre Rampal, he became one of the first flute players to establish an international career as a soloist.
Galway went to London as a teenager to study the flute.
He studied at the Royal College of Music under John Francis and then at the Guildhall School of Music under Geoffrey Gilbert.
He then studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Gaston Crunelle and Jean-Pierre Rampal and also privately with Marcel Moyse.
After his education time he spent fifteen years as an orchestral player.
Sir James Galway played with the Philharmonia Orchestra as it rose to prominence in the 1950s.
He auditioned for the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan, and was principal flute of that orchestra from 1969 to 1975.
To Karajan's surprise and dismay, after a period of some disagreement, "Jimmy" Galway decided that he would leave to pursue a solo career, which he succeeded in doing admirably.
He still performs regularly and is one of the world's leading classical flute players.
He is Principal Guest Conductor of the London Mozart Players, based at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon, South London.
And most recently, he performed for the Academy Award-winning ensemble recording the soundtracks of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
He now resides in Meggen, Switzerland, with his U.S.-born wife, Jeanne, also flute player. They often tour together playing duets, accompanied by Phillip Moll on piano.
Golden Slumbers
James Galway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To get back homeward.
Once there was a way
To get back home.
Sleep, pretty darling,
Dot not cry
Golden slumbers,
Fill your eyes
Smiles await you when you rise
Sleep pretty darling
Do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby.
Once there was a way
To get back homeward
Once there was a way
To get back home
Sleep, pretty darling
Do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby.
The lyrics of James Galway's "Golden Slumbers" speaks of a desire to find a way back home, suggesting that the singer was once familiarized with a path that led them homeward. The use of the word 'way' twice indicates its significance and relevance towards finding one's way back home. The singer assures a loved one that everything will be okay and that they will sing a lullaby to help them sleep. The phrase, "golden slumbers" represents the notion of happiness and an optimistic atmosphere that awaits the loved one when they wake up. The singer continues to offer reassurance, imploring their loved one not to cry, and promising to continue singing until they fall asleep.
The song appears to possess a deep emotional quality, probably inspired by a longing for home and the people therein. The singer in the song seems to be consoling and offering a soothing balm to a loved one who is going through trying times. This could be a reflection of a personal experience or an insight into the pain that many people go through daily. The lyrics hold many interpretations and could be seen as a way of instilling hope and providing a sanctuary of comfort for people through music.
Line by Line Meaning
Once there was a way,
In the past, there existed a path that one could take to return home.
To get back homeward.
The path led in the direction of one's home, indicating that the person was far away from their home.
Once there was a way
There was a method or strategy in the past that could be used to return home.
To get back home.
The goal was to return to one's home, indicating that the person currently resided somewhere else.
Sleep, pretty darling,
A request to rest, addressed to a loved one.
Do not cry
Asking the person not to cry or be upset.
And I will sing a lullaby.
Promising to sing a calming song to help them relax and fall asleep.
Golden slumbers,
Describing the peaceful state of deep sleep.
Fill your eyes
To be surrounded by or fully immersed in this peaceful state.
Smiles await you when you rise
Promising a brighter mood and positive outlook after a good night's sleep.
Sleep pretty darling
Again, requesting the loved one to sleep and rest well.
Do not cry
Reiterating the request to avoid crying or feeling upset.
And I will sing a lullaby.
Promising once again to sing a calming song to help the loved one fall asleep and rest well.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind