The Minstrel Boy (Arr. Britten)

The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone

In the ranks of death you’ll find him;

His father’s sword he has girded on,

And his wild harp slung behnd him.

‘Land of Song’, said the warrior bard,

‘Tho’ all the world betrays thee,

One sword, at least, this 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 chain shall sully thee,

Thou soul of love and brav’ry!

Thy song were made for the pure and free,

They shall never sound in slav’ry’.