On the 21st of July

beneath a burning sun

McDowell met the Southern troops

in battle at Bull Run

Above the Union vanguard

was proudly to be seen

Beside the starry banner

old Erin´s flag of green



Col. Corcoran led the 69th

on that eventful day

I wish the Prince of Wales were there

to see him in the fray

His charge upon the batteries

was a most glorious scene

With gallant New York firemen

and the boys that wear the green



In the hottest of the fire

there rode along the line

A captain of the Zouave band, crying

"Now, boys, is your time"

Ah, who so boldy rides

with the bold and dauntless men

´Tis Thomas Francis Meagher

of Erin´s isle of green



The colors of the 69th

I say it without shame

Were taken in the struggle

to swell the victor´s fame

But Farnham´s dashing Zouaves

that run with the machine

Retook them in a moment

with the boys that wore the green



Being overpowered by numbers

our troops were forced to flee

The Southern black horse cavalry

on them charged furiously

But in that hour of peril

the flying mass to screen

Stood the gallant New York firemen

with the boys that wore the green



Oh, the boys of the 69th

they are a gallant band

Bolder never drew a sword

for their adopted land

Amongst the fallen heroes

a braver had not been

Than you, lamented Haggerty

of Erin´s isle of green



Farewell, my gallant countrymen

who fell that fatal day.

Farewell, ye noble firemen

now mouldering in the clay

While blooms the leafy shamrock

whilst runs the old machine

Your deeds will live bold Red Shirts

and boys that wore the green