The Minstrel Boy
Lyrics and music Thomas Moore
Performed by The Corsairs on The Blue One

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!" cried 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 loved never spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;

And said, "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!"

Background by Daniel Womack: This tune is from "The Moreen" which is an ancient Irish aire. It's author, Thomas Moore was a balladeer from the late 18th to mid 19th centuries. Moore may have composed the song as a memorial to friends he met at Trinity College who participated in the 1798 rebellion of the United Irishmen.
Another verse was added by an unknown author during the civil war as this tune became a favorite of both sides, though mostly the Union side:

The Minstrel Boy will return we pray,
When we hear the news we will cheer it;
The Minstrel Boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heav'n intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.