The minstrel boy to the war has gone; In the ranks of d**h you will find him His father's sword he has girded on, And his wild harp slung behind him; "Land of song!" cried the warrior bard, "Though 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 sword Couldn't bring that proud soul under; The harp he loved never spoke again, For he tore its cords asunder; He said, "No chain shall sully thee, No strength shall taint your bravery! My songs remain for the young and free They shall never sound in slavery" The minstrel boy to the war has gone In the ranks of d**h you will find him His father's swowrd he has girded on And his wild harp slung behind him He said, "No chain shall sully thee No strength shall taint your bravery My songs remain for the young and free They shall never sound in slavery"