GCGC
The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
GEmDG
In the ranks of death ye will find him;
GCGC
His father's sword he hath girded on,
GEmDG
And his wild harp slung behind him;
EmCDG
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
CEmCD
"Tho' all the world betray thee,
GCGC
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
GEmDG
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 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!"
This arrangement for the song is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the song. You may only use this for private study, scholarship, or research.