American Old Time Song Lyrics: 14 God, Save Ireland

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 14

GOD, SAVE IRELAND.

High upon the gallows tree.
Swung the noble-hearted three.
By the vengeful tyrant stricken in their bloom;
But they meet him face to face,
With the spirit of their race.
And they went with souls undaunted to their doom
God, save Ireland! said the heroes,
God, save Ireland! said they all,
Whether on the scaffold high
Or the battle-field we die.
Oh! what matter, when for Erin dear we fall?

Girt around with cruel foes,
Still their courage proudly rose.
For they thought of hearts that loved them far And near;
Of the millions true and brave
O'er the ocean's swelling wave.
And the friends in holy Ireland ever dear.
God, save Ireland! said they proudly,
God, save Ireland! said they all,
Whether on the scaffold high
Or the battle-field we die,
Oh! what matter, when for Erin dear we fall?

Climbed they up the rugged stair.
Rung their voices out in prayer.
Then with England's fatal cord around them cast;
Close beneath the gallows tree,
Kissed like brothers lovingly,
True to home and faith, and freedom to the last.
God, save Ireland! said they proudly,
God, save Ireland! said they all,
Whether on the scaffold high
Or the battle-field we die.
Oh! what matter, when for Erin dear we fall?

Never 'till the latest day
Shall the memory pass away
Of the gallant lives thus given for our land;
But on the cause must go,
Amidst joy, or weal or woe.
Till we've made our isle a nation free and grand.
God, save Ireland! say we proudly,
God, save Ireland! say we all,
If upon the scaffold high
Or the battle-field we die,
Oh! what matter, when for Erin dear we fall?