The Minstrel Boy
by Thomas Moore (1779-1852)
This is a mainstay of the Irish musical tradition and has been recorded many times, e.g., by Tommy Makem, John McCormack, and Roger Whittaker,

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
      In the ranks of death you find him
His father’s sword he has girded on,
      And his wild harp slung behind him.
“Land of song” said the warrior bard,
      “Tho all the world betrayd 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 bring his proud soul under;
The harp he lov’d never spoke again
      For he tore its chords asunder;
And said: “No chains shall sully thee,
      Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and the free
      They shall never sound in slavery.”

Views: 34