Minstrel Boy

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

"Land of Song" cried the warrior bard
"Tho' all the earth betrays thee
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard
One minstrel harp shall praise thee"

The minstrel fell but the foeman's chain
Couldn’t hold that proud soul under
The harp he loved never spoke again
He tore its strings asunder

And said, "No chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and bravery
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They will never sound in slavery"