Irish Song of Valour

[Naillosotarrain]

Here's a little song you probably know but I like:

The minstrel boy to war has gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him.
His father's sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him.
"Land/Lord of Song said the warrior bard,
Though all the world betray thee.
One sword at least, shall guard thy right,
One faithful harp shall praise thee."

The minstrell fell but the foe man's chain,
Could not bring that proud soul under.
The harp he played ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its cords assunder.
And said "No chain shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery.
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall ne'er be played in slavery."

I've both heard and seen it sung with either 'Land of Song' or Lord of Song' though I prefer to sing it with 'Lord of Song'.

[Ariannon]

I have heard this before and it is one of my favorites.

Ari