Irish Soldier Boy
A Mother's Love in War: The Tale of an Irish Soldier
Lyrics
At a cottage door one winter's night
Setting the scene at a cottage door on a winter's night.
As the snow lay on the ground
Describing the snowy ground.
Stood a youthful Irish soldier boy
Introduction of a young Irish soldier heading to the mountains.
To the mountains he was bound
His destination for the mission.
His mother stood beside him saying
The soldier's mother offers encouragement.
"You'll win my boy, don't fear"
Expressing hope and confidence in her son's success.
With loving arms around his waist
A tender moment as she secures his bandolier with love.
She tied his bandolier
Securing ammunition belts, a military accessory.
"Goodbye, God bless you, mother dear
The soldier bids farewell, wishing his mother well.
I hope your heart won't pain
Expressing concern for his mother's emotional well-being.
But pray to God that you shall see
Asking his mother to pray for his safe return.
Your soldier boy again
Hopeful anticipation of reuniting after the war.
And when I'm out in the firing line
The soldier finds joy in knowing he is remembered.
It will be a source of joy
Referencing his presence in the firing line during battle.
For to know that you're remembering still
Emphasizing the enduring connection with his mother.
Your Irish soldier boy"
Reiteration of being her Irish soldier boy.
And when the fighting, it was o'er
Transitioning to the aftermath of the conflict.
And the flag of truce was raised
Describing the raising of the flag of truce.
The leaders ordered fire to cease
Leaders order the cessation of fire, surprising Ireland.
All Ireland stood amazed
The nation witnesses the ceasefire.
His comrades came to the cottage door
Comrades bring a note from the soldier to his mother.
With a note from her pride and joy
Delivery of a message from the soldier.
With an aching heart she cried
The mother reacts with a heavy heart.
"God be good" to her Irish soldier boy
Expressing distress, invoking God's protection for her son.
"Goodbye, God bless you, mother dear
The soldier's farewell as he faces imminent death.
I'm dying a death so grand
Acknowledging the grandeur of his sacrifice.
From wounds received in action
Explaining the cause of death, fighting for his homeland.
Trying to free my native land
Referencing wounds sustained in the line of duty.
I hope we'll meet in heaven above
Expressing a hopeful reunion in the afterlife.
In that land beyond the sky
Imagining a meeting in heaven beyond the sky.
Where you'll always be in company
Envisioning eternal companionship with his mother.
With your Irish soldier boy"
Reaffirmation of their enduring bond even in death.
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