high upon the gallows tree swung the noble hearted three by the vengeful tyrant stricken in their bloom but they met him face to face with the courage of their race and they went with souls undaunted to their doom god save ireland said the heroes god save ireland said they all whether on the scaffold high or the battlefield we die oh what matter when for ireland dear we fall girt around with cruel foes still their courage proudly rose for they thought of hearts that loved them far and near for the millions true and brave o er the ocean s swelling wave and their friends in dear old ireland ever dear god save ireland said the heroes god save ireland said they all whether on the scaffold high or the battlefield we die oh what matter when for ireland dear we fall climbed they up the rugged stair rang their voices out in prayer then with england s fatal cord around them cast close beside the gallows tree kissed like brothers lovingly true to home and faith and freedom to the last god save ireland said the heroes god save ireland said they all whether on the scaffold high or the battlefield we die oh what matter when for ireland dear we fall never to the latest day shall their memory pass away of the gallant lives thus given for our land but on the cause must go midst the joy the weal and woe till we make our isle a nation free and grand god save ireland said the heroes god save ireland said they all whether on the scaffold high or the battlefield we die oh what matter when for ireland dear we fall