The Minstrel Boy
by Thomas Moore (1779-1852)
This poem was set to music and often recorded. Here is John McCormack’s version; here is Liam Clancy’s; and here is Paul Robeson’s

The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone,
⁠      In the ranks of death you’ll 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 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 bring his proud soul under;
The harp he loved ne’er spoke again,
      For he tore its cords asunder;
And said, “No chains shall gully thee,
      Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the brave and free,
      They shall never sound in slavery!”

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