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The melody is an old Irish air called ‘The Moreen’. The song was very popular in America in the early days of the nineteenth century.
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Minstrel Boy
by trad
The minstrel boy to the war has gone
in the ranks of death you will find him
His father’s sword he has gir- ded on
and his wild harp slung be- hind him
“Land of Song,” said the war- rior bard
“Though all the world be- trays thee,
one sword at least thy rights shall gaurd
one faithful harp shall praise thee
The minstrel fell but the foemans chain
could not bring that proud soul under
The harp he loved never spoke again
for he tore its chords asunder
and said no chain shall sully thee
thou soul of love and bravery!
“Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
they shall never sound in slavery!”
in the ranks of death you will find him
His father’s sword he has gir- ded on
and his wild harp slung be- hind him
“Land of Song,” said the war- rior bard
“Though all the world be- trays thee,
one sword at least thy rights shall gaurd
one faithful harp shall praise thee
The minstrel fell but the foemans chain
could not bring that proud soul under
The harp he loved never spoke again
for he tore its chords asunder
and said no chain shall sully thee
thou soul of love and bravery!
“Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
they shall never sound in slavery!”