Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
The harp that once through Tara’s Hall the soul of music shed
Now hangs as mute on Tara’s wall as if that soul were fled
So sleeps the pride of former days so glory’s thrill is o’er
And hearts that once beat high for praise now feel that pulse no more
No more to chiefs and ladies bright, the harp of Tara swells
The chord alone, that breaks at night, its tale of ruin tells
This freedom now so seldom wakes, the only throb she gives
Is when some heart indignant breaks, to show that still she lives
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Take it down from the mast
Take it down from the mast, Irish traitors,
It’s the flag we republicans claim,
It can never belong to free staters,
For you’ve brought on it nothing but shame.
Why not leave it to those who are willing,
To uphold it in war and in peace,
To the men who intend to defend it,
Until England’s tyrannies cease.
Take it down from the mast, Irish traitors,
It’s the flag we republicans claim,
It can never belong to free staters,
For you’ve brought on it nothing but shame.
You have murdered our brave Liam and Rory,
You’ve slaughtered young Richard and Joe,
Your hands with their blood are still gory,
Fulfilling the work of the foe.
Take it down from the mast, Irish traitors,
It’s the flag we republicans claim,
It can never belong to free staters,
For you’ve brought on it nothing but shame.