~The Minstrel Boy ~

The first two verses of this song, sung to the old Celtic tune The Moreen, were written by a young Irish patriot as a rallying song during the uprising of the United Irishmen in 1798. The third verse was added during the War Between the States, most likely by the many newly emigrated Irishmen who took up arms for the Union.

This song is well loved by reenactment fife and drum corps (both Union and Confederate) and is heard frequently in both camps today.

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 bring that proud soul under;

The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,

For he tore its chords asunder;

And said "No chains shall sully thee,

Thou soul of love and brav'ry!

Thy songs were made for the pure and free,

They 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"