"The Minstrel Boy", by the 97th Regimental String Band, an Irish folk song originally published in 1813:
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!" said the warrior bard,
"Though 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 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!"
The Minstrel Boy shall return
again
When we hear the news we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy shall return
again,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world as heaven hath intended,
When all the works of war shall cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.