The Boys Of The Old Brigade
Easter Sighs: Echoes of Ireland's Struggle in 'The Boys Of The Old Brigade'
Lyrics
Oh, father why are you so sad
Expressing sadness, the speaker addresses their father and questions the reason for his sorrow.
On this bright Easter morn'
Noting it's Easter morning, a traditionally joyous occasion, the speaker wonders why the father is sad on such a day.
When Irish men are proud and glad
Reflecting on Irish pride, the speaker acknowledges the positive sentiments of Irish men on this day.
Of the land where they were born?
Asking about the father's sadness related to the land of their birth.
Son, I see in mem'ries few
The father reminisces about past memories, indicating that there are only a few memories left.
Of far off distant days
Referring to distant days in the past.
When being just a lad like you
Recalling the father's youth and likening it to the speaker's current age.
I joined the IRA
The father reveals he joined the IRA (Irish Republican Army) during his youth.
Where are the lads who stood with me
Rhetorical question about the whereabouts of comrades during significant historical events.
When history was made?
Referencing a historic moment when the speaker and comrades made history.
A Grá Mo Chroí, I long to see
Expressing a deep longing ("A Grá Mo Chroí") to see the boys of the old brigade.
The boys of the old brigade
Mentioning the nostalgia for companions from the past, the "old brigade."
From hills and farms, the call to arms
Describing a call to arms reaching people from hills and farms.
Was heard by one and all
Highlighting the universal response to the call for action.
And from the glen came brave young men
Men from the glen (valley) responded bravely to Ireland's call for support.
To answer Ireland's call
Referencing a historical conflict faced by the old brigade.
'Twas long ago we faced a foe
Recalling a past confrontation with an adversary.
The old brigade and me
Referring to the speaker's association with the old brigade during that time.
But by my side they fought and died
Expressing solidarity as comrades fought and died for the cause of Irish freedom.
That Ireland might be free
Highlighting the sacrifice made for the ideal of an independent Ireland.
Where are the lads who stood with me
Rhetorical question reiterating the search for comrades during historical events.
When history was made?
Recalling another significant historical moment.
A Grá Mo Chroí, I long to see
Reiterating the deep yearning to see the old brigade, using the term of endearment ("A Grá Mo Chroí").
The boys of the old brigade
Restating the desire to reunite with past companions, the boys of the old brigade.
And now, my boy, I've told you why
The father explains the reason for his sadness on Easter morning.
On Easter morn' I sigh
Expressing a sigh on Easter morning, the father recalls comrades from dark days in the past.
For I recall my comrades, all
Recalling the comrades from earlier times, suggesting a sense of loss or nostalgia.
Of dark old days gone by
Referencing the dark days gone by, alluding to challenging and difficult times.
I think of men who fought in glen
Thinking about men who fought in a glen (valley) with specific mention of weaponry.
With rifle and grenade
Describing the actions of the men in the past conflict.
May heaven keep the men who sleep
Wishing well for the men who have passed away from the old brigade.
From the ranks of the old brigade
Referring to those who rest peacefully, having been part of the old brigade.
Where are the lads who stood with me
Rhetorical question reiterating the search for comrades during historical events.
When history was made?
Recalling yet another significant historical moment.
A Grá Mo Chroí, I long to see
Reiterating the deep yearning to see the old brigade, using the term of endearment ("A Grá Mo Chroí").
The boys of the old brigade
Restating the desire to reunite with past companions, the boys of the old brigade.
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