Minstrel Boy

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"