verse 1: The minstrel boy to the war is gone In the ranks of death you will find him His father's sword he has girded on And his wild harp slung behind him verse 2: "Land of song," said the warrior bard "Though all the world betray thee One sword, at least, thy right shall guard One faithful heart shall praise thee" INTERLUDE: verse 3: The minstrel fell, but the foeman's chain Could not bring that proud soul under The harp he loved ne'er spoke again For he tore its cords asunder verse 4: And said, "No chain shall sully thee Thou soul of love and bravery My songs were made for the pure and free They shall never sound in slavery" OUTRO: