The Minstrel Boy

Sir Thomas Moore

NOTES: A traditional Irish tune with words by Sir Thomas Moore, written for friends killed in the Irish Rebellion in the late 1700's. I first heard (and fell in love with) the melody in the film The Man Who Would Be King, with Sean Connery and Michael Caine, although the words were different. I've changed one line in my version to reflect the situation in the United States under the Bush administration.

DADGAD tuning, 12-string, played in G

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!" cried the warrior bard,
"Tho' though your leaders now betray thee,
One faithful sword 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;
"Soul of love, and bravery
No chains shall sully thee
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!"