The Moreen

“The Minstrel Boy” is an emotionally stirring and inspirational song. It was written by Irish poet Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852) who set the words to the melody of an ancient Irish aire called “The Moreen.” It is widely thought that Moore composed the song in remembrance of a number of his friends, whom he met while studying at Trinity College, Dublin and who had participated in the 1798 rebellion of the United Irishmen. As the story goes, one friend was wounded, another friend died in prison, and a third was captured and later hung. Yet through it all, Moore refused to testify against his friends.

The song gained widespread popularity and became a favorite of many of the Irish who fought during the United States Civil War. The third verse of the song was added at that time by unknown authors.

The song is notably associated with many U.S. organizations that historically had many members of Irish descent. These organizations include various city police departments and fire departments. The melody is frequently played, typically on bagpipes, at funerals of members and/or officers of such organizations who have died or been killed in service. The song is also associated with the Irish Army and with traditionally Irish regiments and/or Irish Brigades found in other armies.

This song is quite popular and has been heard in many movies, such as the 2001 film “Black Hawk Down,” and in many television series. Fans of Star Trek may remember that the song’s first verse was sung by the character Miles O'Brien (actor Colm Meaney) in the Star Trek: The Next Generation fourth-season episode entitled “The Wounded.” During the run of the spin-off series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine the tune became an unofficial theme song for the O’Brien character, and can be heard in several episodes.

The Minstrel Boy

The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"

The third verse, added during the 1860s:

The Minstrel Boy will return we pray
When we hear the news, we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heaven intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.

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To review the history, the text, or to listen to the melody, check out this page from the “Songs of Ireland” section of "Contemplations from the Marianas Trench - Music and Deep Thoughts" - http://www.contemplator.com/ireland/minstrel.html

To see a GIF image file of the score of the song, or to download an ABC file of the score, visit this page of "The Session" - http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/6782

The following link has JPEG image files of an 1895 edition of the score, including a solo line and piano accompaniment. It is two pages in length and presents the first and second verses. The link is on the website called Library Ireland, a free online reference library of Irish material:
http://www.libraryireland.com/Irish-Melodies/The-minstrel-boy-1.php

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