The Minstrel Boy

One of our Irish songs about the battle for freedom and desire to end colonial oppression.
Wait a minute...it's in English!

The Minstrel Boy to the war is 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.

"Land of Song," cried the Warrior Bard,
"Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword at least thy right shall guard
One faithful harp shall praise thee."

The Minstrel fell but the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under.
The harp he loved ne'er 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."

[instrumental]
"Land of Song," cried the Warrior Bard,
"Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword at least thy right shall guard
One faithful harp shall praise thee."


The display of these songs on this site is only meant as a means for the Celtic Arts Center Choir to distribute songs to its members.
This is not intended for wider publication or larger distribution.
Updated on Wed, Apr 23, 2003
© 2003 TechnoCelt Productions in association with The Celtic Arts Center / An Claidheamh Soluis. All rights reserved.