Gutshot John
03-17-09, 21:14
To my Irish brethren...
We've come a long way in this country, we have helped to build this country. We have fought and died for it and so, since I'm the sentimental type, I thought I'd post the lyrics to the "Minstrel Boy" as a reminder of the liberty we all value. The tune is the "Morain" and I'm sure most would recognize it, but it's the lyrics that grab you. It was written after the 1798 Irish Rebellion and was brought to the United States by those that fled and joined the American Army. During the Civil War, Irishmen on both sides would weep unashamedly when it was played.
This is dedicated to the men and women who guard our liberty and have paid the dearest price to preserve it.
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not drag the proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er sang again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
He said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thy soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the brave and free,
And shall never sound in slavery!"
The Minstrel Boy will return we pray
When we hear the news we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heaven intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.
We've come a long way in this country, we have helped to build this country. We have fought and died for it and so, since I'm the sentimental type, I thought I'd post the lyrics to the "Minstrel Boy" as a reminder of the liberty we all value. The tune is the "Morain" and I'm sure most would recognize it, but it's the lyrics that grab you. It was written after the 1798 Irish Rebellion and was brought to the United States by those that fled and joined the American Army. During the Civil War, Irishmen on both sides would weep unashamedly when it was played.
This is dedicated to the men and women who guard our liberty and have paid the dearest price to preserve it.
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not drag the proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er sang again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
He said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thy soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the brave and free,
And shall never sound in slavery!"
The Minstrel Boy will return we pray
When we hear the news we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heaven intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.