For the Brave and Free



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

And said, no chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and bravery
The songs were made for the brave and free
They shall never sound in slavery
Oh no

The Minstrel fell, but the foeman's chain
Could not bring his proud soul under
The harp he loved ne'er spoke again
For he tore its chords asunder

And said, no chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and bravery
The songs were made for the brave and free
They shall never sound in slavery

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

One sword at least
One faithful harp
No chains