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THE MINSTREL BOY
    (Thomas Moore (1779-1852))
    Air "the Moreen" Ancient Irish Air

       The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
       In the ranks of death you'll find him;
       His father's sword he hath girded on,
       And his wild harp slung behind him;

       "Land  of  Song!"  cried the warrior bard,
       (Should) "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 steel
       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!

       Some words from Maggie Pierce at Indian Neck 1985

    @war @music
    recorded by Clancy Bros on songs of Rebellion