American Hibernia Association Playing
THE MINSTREL BOY
by Thomas Moore
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;"
Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' 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 lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"
Now, if someone could settle once and for all the question of just where the bagpipes were born, we'd know which country to pour the scorn on. Both Ireland and Scotland claim them for some unknown reason. For real beauty in Celtic music, give me Uilleann pipes anytime. Paddy Maloney, the leader of the Chieftans, is the master of this art form. I wish I knew where he was going to be tonight.
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