Oh father, why are you so sad,

on this bright Easter morn?

When Irishmen are proud and glad

Of the land where they were born."

"Oh, son, I see sad mem´ries view

Of far-off distant days,

When, being just a boy like you,

I joined the IRA



In hills and farms the call to arms

Was heard by one and all

And from the glens came brave young men

To answer Ireland´s call

´Twas long ago we faced the foe

The old brigade and me

But by my side they fought and died

That Ireland might be free



And now, my boy, I´ve told you why

On Easter morn I sigh

For I recall my comrades all

From dark old days gone by

I think of men who fought in glens

With rifles and grenade

May Heaven keep the men who sleep

From the ranks of the old brigade



Where are the lads who stood with me

When history was made?

Oh, gra mo chree I long to see

The Boys of the Old Brigade