WRAP THE GREEN FLAG ROUND ME, BOYS
J. K. O'Reilly (A volunteer of 1916).

[G] Wrap the green flag [C] round me, [G] boys,
To die were far more [D] sweet,
with [G] Erin's noble [C] emblem [G] boys,
To [C] be my [D] winding [G] sheet.
In [D] life l loved to [G] see it wave,
And [C] followed where it [D] led,
But [G] now my eyes grow [C] dim - my [G] hand
Would grasp its [D] last bright [G] shred.

[chorus]

Then [G] wrap the green flag [C] round me, [G] boys,
To die were far more[D] sweet
With [G] Erin's noble [C] emblem [G] boys,
To [C] be my [D] winding [G] sheet.

 

And I had hoped to meet you, boys,
On many a well-fought field,
When to our sacred banner, boys,
The traitorous foe would yield,
But now, alas! I am denied
My dearest earthly prayer,
You'll follow and you'll meet the foe,
But l shall not be there.

[chorus]

But though my body moulders, boys,
My spirit will be free,
And every comrade's honour, boys,
Will yet be dear to me.
And in the thick and bloody fight
Let not your courage lag.
For I'll be there and hovering near
Around the dear old flag.

Ingezonden door: Jan Wessels.