Joe Jencks

The Minstrel Boy (3:28)

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!” said the warrior bard

“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 chain

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!”

The Minstrel Boy will return we pray

When we hear the news, we shall cheer it

The minstrel boy will return one day

Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit

Then may he play on his harp in peace

In a world where all is mended

When all the bitterness of war has ceased

And every battle is ended
By Thomas Moore [Roud 13867] Adaptation by Joe Jencks