“The Minstrel Boy” Sheet Music (pdf).
“The Minstrel Boy” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Performer: Paul Robeson.
Lyrics: Thomas Moore.
Tune: “The Moreen.”
The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you’ll find him.
His father’s sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him.
“Land of Song,” said 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 chain
Could not bring that proud soul under.
The harp he loved never spoke again
For he tore its chords asunder.
Said, “No chain shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free!
They shall never sound in slavery.”