Irish Soldier Boy

At a cottage door one winter's night
As the snow lay on the ground
Stood a youthful Irish soldier boy
To the mountains he was bound
His mother stood beside him saying
"You'll win my boy, don't fear"
With loving arms around his waist
She tied his bandolier

"Goodbye, God bless you, mother dear
I hope your heart won't pain
But pray to God that you shall see
Your soldier boy again
And when I'm out in the firing line
It will be a source of joy
For to know that you're remembering still
Your Irish soldier boy"

And when the fighting, it was o'er
And the flag of truce was raised
The leaders ordered fire to cease
All Ireland stood amazed
His comrades came to the cottage door
With a note from her pride and joy
With an aching heart she cried, "God be good"
To her Irish soldier boy

"Goodbye, God bless you, mother dear
I'm dying a death so grand
From wounds received in action
Trying to free my native land
I hope we'll meet in heaven above
In that land beyond the sky
Where you'll always be in company
With your Irish soldier boy"