the minstrel boy to the war is gone in the ranks of death you ll 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 play thee the minstrel fell but the three men s chains could not bring that proud soul under the harp he wore ne er played again for he tore its chords asunder and said no chains shall sully thee thou soul of love and purity thy songs were made for the brave and free they shall never sound in slavery 