Jack Lukeman - "The Minstrel Boy"

IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 1916 IRISH RISING AND ALL THOSE WHO PERISHED IN IT.

See www.jacklukeman.com for details

The song was originally written by The Bard of Ireland, Thomas Moore (1779–1852) using an old Irish melody in remembrance of those whom had participated in (and were killed during) the Irish Rebellion of 1798 . The song gained widespread popularity and became a favourite and a great inspiration for the 1916 Easter Rising.The song gained worldwide popularity notably associated with organisations that historically had a heavy Irish representation worldwide.

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!"

Director/Editor: Tigrane Minassian
jacklukeman.com