This
very famous folk song by Thomas Moore originated in Ireland and has a traditional Irish
tune The Moreen, an old Irish aire. One commentator writes that Thomas
composed the song as a memorial to several of his friends he met whilst a
student at Trinity College, Dublin. These it seemed had taken part in the 1798
rebellion of the United Irishmen. One apparently died in prison, another
wounded, and a third was captured and hanged. The song originally had two
verses. The song was so popular, it was a favourite of many Irishmen who fought
during the US Civil War (primarily on the Union side).
At
about this time a third verse1 was
added by unknown authors.
The
Minstrel Boy
By Thomas Moore
(3 beats intro)
The
Minstrel boy to the wars has gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him;
His father's sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung beside him.
"Land of song!" said the warrior bard.
"Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
(Two
bars interlude)
The
Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring his proud soul under;
The harp he loved ne're 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 free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"
(Two
bars postlude)
Powerful stuff isn't it?
Shall
we strum it through again?
Footnote 1
The third verse added later is as follows:
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 his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heav'n intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.
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