American Old Time Song Lyrics: 31 The Old Massachusetts Ninth

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 31

The Old Massachusetts' Ninth.
Copyright, 1890, by M. P. Gallagher.
Words and Music by M. P. Gallagher.

We're members of the old Ninth Massachusetts' Volunteers,
Who fought so bravely for the Union's right.
At the nation's call we responded one and all,
And showed them how brave Irish boys could fight.
The old Ninth it did nobly, its name is famous still,
Composed of Irish boys so brave and true;
Colonel Cass was our commander, there was not a man looked grander.
As to the old Bay Suite we bid adieu.

Chorus.
We were met with shot and shell,
Many's the brave hero fell;
When we heard the rebel's yell,
'Twas then we made our charge;
Face to face we met the foe,
Blood like water it did flow;
Gave shot for shot, and blow for blow,
The old Massachusetts' Ninth.
Refrain.
We march to the fife and the drum;
When we march, march on to glory,
With our green flag flying high, it was victory or die.
Our records tell the story.

'Twas then we joined the army of our gallant Little Mac,
We had no coward in our gallant band.
Irish hearts so true beat beneath each coat of blue,
The foe we faced together, hand in hand.
The boys all did their duty, they won their laurels fair,
'Twas few of us were left the tale to tell.
At the battle of Malvern Hill, 'twas there we gave the "Rebs" their fill.
That's the battle where our brave commander fell.-Cho. & Refrain.

The blue and gray's united now, and peace reigns o'er our land;
The black and white men they have equal rights.
"Forget and forgive," that's our maxim while we live,
We'll honor but one flag, the stars and stripes.
The sword And gun we've laid away, we hope, for evermore-
All honors to the heroes that are dead.
Many brave men pass'd away that wore the suit of Southern gray,
And nevermore to battle will be led.-Cho. & Refrain.