Tell me, tell me weary soldier
From the rude and stirring wars
Was my brother in the battle
Where you gained those noble scars
He was ever brave and valiant
And I know he never fled
Was his name among the wounded
Or numbered with the dead
Was my brother in the battle
When the tide of war ran high
You would know him in a moment
By his dark and flashing eyes
Tell me, tell me weary soldier
Will he never come again
Did he suffer with the wounded
Or die among the slain
Was my brother in the battle
When the noble Highland Host
Were so wrongfully outnumbered
On the Carolina coast
Did he struggle for the Union
Neath the thunder and the rain
Till he fell among the brave
On a bleak Virginia plain
Ah, I'm sure that he was dauntless
And his courage never would lag
While contending for the honour
Of our dear and cherished flag
Tell me, tell me weary soldier
Will he never come again
Did he suffer with the wounded
Or die among the slain
Was my brother in the battle
When the flag of Erin came
To the rescue of our banner
And protection of our fame
While the fleet from off the water
Poured out terror and dismay
Till the bold and weary foe
Fell like leaves on autumn day
When the bugle called the battle
And the cannon deeply roared
How I wish I could have seen him
Draw his sharp and glittering sword
Tell me, tell me weary soldier
Will he never come again
Did he suffer with the wounded
Or die among the slain