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Song Index M
The Minstrel Boy
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The minstrel boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you'll find him
His father's sword he has 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 chains
Could not bring his proud soul under
The harp he loved ne'er spoke again
For he tore its cords asunder
And said, "No chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and bravery
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!"
Many people who should know better tend to dismiss Thomas Moore (1779-1852) as being a sentimental lightweight. A million light-years from the truth.
This is the man who wrote:
"Far dearer the grave or the prison
Illum'd by one patriot name
Than the trophies of all who have risen
On Liberty's ruins to fame!"
and
"Erin! thy silent tear shall never cease,
Erin! thy languid smile ne'er shall increase,
Till, like the rainbow's light,
Thy various tints unite,
And form in Heaven's sight
One arch of peace"
You'll find several MIDI files, lyrics etc of many of Moore's songs in the Thomas Moore section of Lesley Nelson's wonderful Contemplator site.
Music is available for this song in these formats: |
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mp3 |
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Notation |
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MIDI |
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ABC |
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Gaughan Website
Song Archive
Song Index M
The Minstrel Boy