The minstrel boy to the war has gone In the ranks of death you will find him His father's sword he is girded on And his wild harp slung behind him
"Land of song", cried the warrior bard "Though all the world betrays thee One sword at least thy roads shall guard One faithful heart shall praise thee"
The minstrel fell but the foreman's sword Could not bring that proud soul under The harp he loved never spoke again For he tore its cords asunder
He said, "No chain shall sully thee No strength shall taint your bravery The songs remain for the young and free They shall never sound in slavery"
The minstrel boy to the war has gone In the ranks of death you will find him His father's sword he has girded on And his wild harp slung behind him
He said, "No chain shall sully thee No strength shall taint your bravery The songs remain for the young and free They shall never sound in slavery"