Henry Joy
Echoes of Brave Hearts: Henry Joy's Anthem from Antrim Glens
Lyrics
An Ulster man I am proud to be
An expression of pride in being from Ulster.
From the Antrim glens I come
Specifically from the Antrim glens, indicating a geographical origin.
And though I've laboured by the sea
Despite working by the sea, the speaker has also been involved in activities related to music and military tradition.
I have followed fife and drum
Reference to a military beat and the speaker's involvement in it.
I have heard the martial tramp of men
The speaker recalls the sound of marching men.
I've seen them fight and die
The speaker has witnessed soldiers fighting and dying.
Ah! Lads it's well I remember when
A nostalgic reflection on past events, specifically recalling following someone named Henry Joy.
I followed Henry Joy
The speaker expresses a sense of loyalty and attachment to Henry Joy.
I dragged my boat in from the shore
The speaker recounts personal tasks related to his boat and sails.
And I hid my sails away
Putting away sails, possibly indicating a break from maritime activities.
I hung my nets upon a tree
Nets hung on a tree, implying a temporary departure from fishing.
And I scanned the moonlit bay
Observing the moonlit bay, setting the scene for the events to unfold.
The boys were out, the red coats too
Reference to the presence of both friendly and opposing forces (boys and red coats).
I kissed my love good-bye
The speaker bids farewell to a loved one.
And in the shade of the greenwood glade
Describing the location as a greenwood glade where the speaker follows Henry Joy.
I followed Henry Joy
Reiteration of the speaker's allegiance to Henry Joy.
It was for Ireland's cause we fought
The cause for which they fought is revealed as Ireland's.
For home and sire, we bled
The speaker emphasizes the sacrifice for home and family.
'Though our numbers were few, our hearts were true
Despite being outnumbered, the dedication of the fighters is unwavering.
And five to one lay dead
Many casualties are acknowledged, highlighting the cost of their struggle.
And many a lassie mourned her lad
Mention of the sorrow of women who lost loved ones.
And mother mourned her boy
A mother mourns the loss of her son, underlining the personal impact of the conflict.
For youth was strong in the daring throng
Recognition of the strength and determination of the youth who followed Henry Joy.
That followed Henry Joy
Reiteration of the loyalty to Henry Joy within the daring group.
In Belfast town, they built a tree
A specific location (Belfast town) is mentioned, and the building of a tree implies a symbolic element.
And the redcoats mustered there
The redcoats gather, indicating a military confrontation.
I saw him come as the beat of a drum
Introduction of Henry Joy as he arrives with the beat of a drum.
Rolled out in the barrack square
A military setting is described with a reference to the barrack square.
He kissed his sister, went aloft
Henry Joy interacts with his sister, preparing for a departure.
And waved a last good-bye
A farewell gesture as Henry Joy waves goodbye.
My God he died, I turned and I cried
An emotional reaction to the death of Henry Joy.
They have murdered Henry Joy
A direct statement confirming the murder of Henry Joy.
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