| The Minstrel Boy |
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| ballads of 1798 rebellion | |
| minstrel boy, the | |
| american civil war songs | |
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The minstrel boy to the war has 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 right 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 lov'd ne'er spoke again For he tore its chords asunder; And said "No chains shall sully thee, Thou soul of love and brav'ry! Thy songs were made for the pure and free They shall never sound in slavery! During the American Civil War, a third verse, steeped in Christian Eschatology , is added. The minstrel boy will return one day, When we hear the news, we will cheer it. The minstrel boy will return we pray, Torn in body, perhaps, but not in spirit. Then may he play his harp in peace, In a world such as Heaven intended, For every quarrel of Man must cease, And every battle shall be ended. REFERENCES IN POPULAR CULTURE The song's first verse was sung by the character episode " The Wounded " (air date January 28, 1991). The song (excluding the third verse) is played during the ending credits of the film Black Hawk Down (attributed to The Mescaleros ) and used as as a theme in the film The Man Who Would Be King . Though the lyrics are those of Reginald Heber from the Lutheran Songbook, a key difference. "The Son of God Goes Forth to War" by Reginald Heber, 1783-1826) The Son of God goes forth to war A kingly crown to gain. His blood-red banner streams afar; Who follows in His train? Who best can drink His cup of woe, Triumphant over pain, Who patient bears his cross below-- He follows in His train. The martyr first whose eagle eye Could pierce beyond the grave, Who saw His Master in the sky And called on Him to save. Like Him, with pardon on His tongue, In midst of mortal pain, He prayed for them that did the wrong-- Who follows in his train? A glorious band, the chosen few, On whom the Spirit came, Twelve valiant saints; their hope they knew And mocked the cross and flame. They met the tyrant's brandished steel, The lion's gory mane; They bowed their necks the death to feel-- Who follows in their train? A noble army, men and boys, The matron and the maid, Around the Savior's throne rejoice, In robes of light arrayed. They climbed the steep ascent of heav'n Thro' peril, toil, and pain. O God, to us may grace be giv'n To follow in their train! The song is used as G Troop's troop song in the TNT film Rough Riders EXTERNAL LINKS |
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