The Minstrel Boy
John McDermottMusic Video
The Minstrel Boy
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 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 foe man's chain
Could not bring his proud soul under,
The harp he loved ne'er 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!"
Song Details
✍️ Lyrics: Thomas Moore (1779–1852) - poet, singer/songwriter, musician, and author.
🎶 Music: Set to the music of an old Irish air called The Moreen.
Thomas Moore:
Born: 28th May, 1779 in Dublin, Ireland. His most noted works include The Minstrel Boy, and The Last Rose Of Summer.
Died: 25th February, 1852, at the age of 72 at Sloperton Cottage, Bromham Wiltshire, England... read more at Wikipedia
📝 Song Brief:;
Thomas Moore composed the song in remembrance of his friends who fought and died during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. It tells the symbolic story of a young minstrel who goes to war carrying his harp — a representation of Ireland’s spirit, culture, and identity. Even when faced with death, he refuses to let his captors claim his music or his freedom, destroying his harp rather than allowing it to be used in triumph. The song blends sorrow with fierce pride, honouring those who fought and fell for Ireland while celebrating the resilience of a nation that refuses to be silenced.
🍀 Genre: Irish Folk Song, Patriotic Ballad
👥 Covers: Clancy Brothers, Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros, The Corrs (instr), Brendan Bowyer, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, Eleanor McEvoy.
🎤 Featured Artist: John McDermott
- Born: John Charles McDermott on the 25th March 1955 in Glascow, Scotland, UK.
- Occupation: Singer (tenor), songwriter, and record producer
- Active Years: 1980 - present
- Instruments: Vocals, piano, keyboards, guitar
- Associated Acts: The Irish Tenors, St Michael's Choir School
💿 Album: Danny Boy
Released: 1992
Country: Canada
Format: CD, Album
Label: Angel Records, EMI Music Canada
📖 Library Ireland: A look at The Minstrel Boy sheet music from 1895 taken from The Irish Melodies by Thomas Moore, and arranged by Charles Villiers Stanford.
🎸 If you'd like to play this song on guitar, you can view the chord version on our sister site, Bell & Co Music.
