Bugged by a song

[Bluey]

You know how it is, you get a tune in your head and can't quite make it out and it keeps going and going until you get the jist of it, and then the words start........... a few at first then gradually it builds up.

 

Well......... that's my story for today I've been bugged all day by a song and a tune that will not go away, I can just about put together the first line and part of the second it's very old and I believe it's a soldiers song from either the civil war or maybe the Marlborough wars. It goes something like this..........

 

The minstral boy to war has gone

 

In the ranks **** ***** you will find him

 

And that's it, anybody recognise it? know it? help.. someone.........pleeeese??

 

Oh BTW **** ***** is other words I can't remember.

Edited September 11, 2006 by Bluey

[melpen]

is this it?

 

THE MINSTREL BOY

(Thomas Moore (1779-1852))

Air "the Moreen" Ancient Irish Air

 

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,

(Should) "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 foeman's steel

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!

 

 

ADD LAST VERSE: (American Civil War)

 

The minstrel boy will return we pray

When we hear the news we all will cheer it

The minstrel boy will return one day

Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit

Then may he play on his harp in peace

In a world such as Heaven has intended

For all the bitterness of man must cease

And every battle must be ended

[Bluey]

That's the one great stuff, now perhaps I can finish sing it and then it will leave me for a time.

 

We used to sing this in the pub when I was a member of the Sealed Knot, those were the days hard scrap of a battle during the day and copious quantities of ale and singing in the evening.

[Huge_Vitae]

Beautiful Song mentioned on here more than once

 

As stated the last verse was added during the American Civil War (had to check a typo there cause I put Cybil and didn't want to get Basil into trouble )

 

Stirs the heart and refers me to the recent discussion on Genetic Memory

 

EDIT, Fantastic Instrumental track by The Coors on one of their Albums which you can sing along to

 

EDITED EDIT, Was also sung in an Episode of Star Trek, Next generation by Chief O'Brien as if I remember right

Edited September 11, 2006 by Huge_Vitae

[chesters1]

was it "two little boys"