Kelly's Irish Brigade Song Lyrics And Guitar Chords
The Sheet music score is included.I have being unable to find who wrote this one. It's about a fella called Joe Kelly who took part in the American Civil War on the Confederacy side [ songs ]. There's another song written about another Irishman who was fighting on the Union side. This was written in 1861 and was recorded by David Kincade. If the tune sounds familar it's because it's the same as Rosin The Bow which is an old traditional Irish song.
[G]Come all ye that hold commun[C]ion with
[G]Southern Con[Em]federates so [Am]bold,,D7]]
And I'll [G]tell of some men for the [C]Union who
In [G]northern [D]ranks were en[G]rolled.
They [G]came to Missouri in their [C]glory and
[G]Thought at their [Em]power we'd be dis[Am]mayed,[D7]
But they [G]soon had a different sto[C]ry when
They [G]met Kelly's [D]Irish Bri[G]gade.
[Alternative Chorus]
[G]Three cheers for the Irish Bri[C]gade, three [G]cheers for Irish [Em]Brigade[Am''[D7]
And [G]all through hearted Hibe[C]rnians in the [G]ranks of Kelly's [D]Irish Bri[G]gade
Chorus:
When they met with the Irish Brigade, my boys.
When they met with the Irish Brigade.
Didn't those cowardly Lincolnites tremble when
They met with the Irish Brigade.
They have called us rebels and traitors, but
Themselves have been called that of late.
They were called it by the English invaders at home
In the year of '98.
The name to us is not a new one, though
'Tis one that shall never degrade
Any true hearted Irishman in the ranks
Of Kelly's Irish Brigade.
They dare not call us invaders. 'Tis
but states' rights and liberty we ask.
And Missouri we'll ever defend her no
Matter how hard the task.
Then let all true Irishmen assemble. Let
The voice of Missouri be obeyed.
And the northern fanatics will tremble when next
They meet Kelly's Irish Brigade.
[G]Southern Con[Em]federates so [Am]bold,,D7]]
And I'll [G]tell of some men for the [C]Union who
In [G]northern [D]ranks were en[G]rolled.
They [G]came to Missouri in their [C]glory and
[G]Thought at their [Em]power we'd be dis[Am]mayed,[D7]
But they [G]soon had a different sto[C]ry when
They [G]met Kelly's [D]Irish Bri[G]gade.
[Alternative Chorus]
[G]Three cheers for the Irish Bri[C]gade, three [G]cheers for Irish [Em]Brigade[Am''[D7]
And [G]all through hearted Hibe[C]rnians in the [G]ranks of Kelly's [D]Irish Bri[G]gade
Chorus:
When they met with the Irish Brigade, my boys.
When they met with the Irish Brigade.
Didn't those cowardly Lincolnites tremble when
They met with the Irish Brigade.
They have called us rebels and traitors, but
Themselves have been called that of late.
They were called it by the English invaders at home
In the year of '98.
The name to us is not a new one, though
'Tis one that shall never degrade
Any true hearted Irishman in the ranks
Of Kelly's Irish Brigade.
They dare not call us invaders. 'Tis
but states' rights and liberty we ask.
And Missouri we'll ever defend her no
Matter how hard the task.
Then let all true Irishmen assemble. Let
The voice of Missouri be obeyed.
And the northern fanatics will tremble when next
They meet Kelly's Irish Brigade.
This version of the song was sent to me by Alan P. Barrett. Thanks Alan
Come all you that hold some communion with
Those Southern Confederates so bold;
We've heard quite enough of those Union men
Who in Northern ranks now are enrolled.
They'd marched through Missouri in pomp and in glory -
They thought that we'd all be dismayed ?
But they soon had a different story to tell when
They'd met Kelly's Irish Brigade!
When they met with the Irish Brigade, my boys!
When they met with the Irish Brigade!
Such thinking was quickly amended when
They met with the Irish Brigade!
They called us all Rebels and Traitors, and
For sure, we'd been called that of late!
We were called it by English invaders back
In Ireland in ninety-eight!
So, the name of 'rebel' is not new to us, though
It's one that can never degrade
Any true-hearted man standing proud in the ranks
Of Kelly's Irish Brigade.
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade, my boys!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade!
And all true-hearted sons of the Emerald Isle
Who would fight for the Irish Brigade!
As their Irish fore-fathers had borne it before them,
The harp on the green will not fade
Now it's carried to glory in Liberty's story
By Kelly's Irish Brigade.
Cry Fág an Bealach? as they unfurl the flag
And go bravely where glories await!
Defending States Rights, our proud standard proclaims
God will bless Kelly's Irish Brigade!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade, my boys!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade!
The Bluecoats were humbled, their battle-lines crumbled ?
They met Kelly's Irish Brigade!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade, my boys!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade!
Those servants of tyrants would never forget
When they met Kelly's Irish Brigade!
Come all you that hold some communion with
Those Southern Confederates so bold;
We've heard quite enough of those Union men
Who in Northern ranks now are enrolled.
They'd marched through Missouri in pomp and in glory -
They thought that we'd all be dismayed ?
But they soon had a different story to tell when
They'd met Kelly's Irish Brigade!
When they met with the Irish Brigade, my boys!
When they met with the Irish Brigade!
Such thinking was quickly amended when
They met with the Irish Brigade!
They called us all Rebels and Traitors, and
For sure, we'd been called that of late!
We were called it by English invaders back
In Ireland in ninety-eight!
So, the name of 'rebel' is not new to us, though
It's one that can never degrade
Any true-hearted man standing proud in the ranks
Of Kelly's Irish Brigade.
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade, my boys!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade!
And all true-hearted sons of the Emerald Isle
Who would fight for the Irish Brigade!
As their Irish fore-fathers had borne it before them,
The harp on the green will not fade
Now it's carried to glory in Liberty's story
By Kelly's Irish Brigade.
Cry Fág an Bealach? as they unfurl the flag
And go bravely where glories await!
Defending States Rights, our proud standard proclaims
God will bless Kelly's Irish Brigade!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade, my boys!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade!
The Bluecoats were humbled, their battle-lines crumbled ?
They met Kelly's Irish Brigade!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade, my boys!
Three cheers for the Irish Brigade!
Those servants of tyrants would never forget
When they met Kelly's Irish Brigade!
: A Legacy of Courage
Introduction:
Kelly's Irish Brigade is a renowned military unit that has left a lasting legacy of courage and bravery in the history of the United States. This brigade was formed during the American Civil War and was composed of Irish immigrants who were eager to fight for their adopted country. Led by the charismatic and fearless Colonel Thomas Francis Meagher, the Kelly's Irish Brigade played a significant role in some of the most crucial battles of the Civil War. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, this brigade continued to fight with unwavering determination and courage, earning them a reputation as one of the most formidable and respected units in the Union Army.
Origins and Formation:
The Irish have a long history of military service, and during the 19th century, a large number of Irish immigrants settled in the United States. These immigrants were eager to prove their loyalty and patriotism to their adopted country and were willing to fight for the cause of preserving the Union. In response to this, Thomas Francis Meagher, a prominent Irish-American leader, proposed the formation of an all-Irish brigade to President Abraham Lincoln. On September 14, 1861, Lincoln gave his approval, and thus, the Kelly's Irish Brigade was born.
The Irish Brigade was composed of five regiments: the 63rd, 69th, and 88th New York Infantry, the 29th Massachusetts Infantry, and the 116th Pennsylvania Infantry. These regiments were primarily made up of Irish immigrants, with a few native-born Irish-Americans. Each regiment had a distinctive green flag with a golden harp as their emblem, representing Ireland.
Battles and Contributions:
The Kelly's Irish Brigade saw action in some of the most significant battles of the Civil War, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Appomattox. During the Battle of Antietam, the brigade played a crucial role in holding the Union line, preventing a Confederate victory. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, the brigade suffered heavy casualties while charging up Marye's Heights, but their bravery and determination were praised by both sides.
One of the most remarkable contributions of the Kelly's Irish Brigade was during the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 2, 1863, the brigade was tasked with defending the Union's left flank on Little Round Top. Under intense enemy fire, the brigade held their position, withstanding multiple Confederate attacks. They also played a vital role in repelling Pickett's Charge on July 3, which is considered the turning point of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Legacy of Courage:
The Kelly's Irish Brigade's legacy of courage is deeply rooted in their unwavering determination and bravery on the battlefield. Despite facing immense hardships, including harsh weather conditions, lack of proper equipment, and heavy casualties, the brigade never wavered in their loyalty and dedication to their cause.
Their courage and determination earned them the respect and admiration of their fellow soldiers, as well as their enemies. General Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate Army, referred to them as the 'Fighting Irish' and praised their bravery and tenacity on the battlefield.
The Kelly's Irish Brigade also had a significant impact on the Irish-American community and the perception of Irish immigrants in the United States. They proved their loyalty and patriotism to their adopted country, dispelling any doubts about their commitment to the Union cause. This legacy of courage and sacrifice has been passed down through generations, inspiring future Irish-Americans to serve their country with honor and bravery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kelly's Irish Brigade has left an enduring legacy of courage in the history of the United States. The bravery and determination displayed by this brigade on the battlefield have earned them a place among the most renowned military units in American history. Their legacy continues to inspire and instill a sense of pride and honor in the Irish-American community. The Kelly's Irish Brigade will forever be remembered as a symbol of courage and dedication, and their contributions to the Union cause will never be forgotten.
Introduction:
Kelly's Irish Brigade is a renowned military unit that has left a lasting legacy of courage and bravery in the history of the United States. This brigade was formed during the American Civil War and was composed of Irish immigrants who were eager to fight for their adopted country. Led by the charismatic and fearless Colonel Thomas Francis Meagher, the Kelly's Irish Brigade played a significant role in some of the most crucial battles of the Civil War. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, this brigade continued to fight with unwavering determination and courage, earning them a reputation as one of the most formidable and respected units in the Union Army.
Origins and Formation:
The Irish have a long history of military service, and during the 19th century, a large number of Irish immigrants settled in the United States. These immigrants were eager to prove their loyalty and patriotism to their adopted country and were willing to fight for the cause of preserving the Union. In response to this, Thomas Francis Meagher, a prominent Irish-American leader, proposed the formation of an all-Irish brigade to President Abraham Lincoln. On September 14, 1861, Lincoln gave his approval, and thus, the Kelly's Irish Brigade was born.
The Irish Brigade was composed of five regiments: the 63rd, 69th, and 88th New York Infantry, the 29th Massachusetts Infantry, and the 116th Pennsylvania Infantry. These regiments were primarily made up of Irish immigrants, with a few native-born Irish-Americans. Each regiment had a distinctive green flag with a golden harp as their emblem, representing Ireland.
Battles and Contributions:
The Kelly's Irish Brigade saw action in some of the most significant battles of the Civil War, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Appomattox. During the Battle of Antietam, the brigade played a crucial role in holding the Union line, preventing a Confederate victory. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, the brigade suffered heavy casualties while charging up Marye's Heights, but their bravery and determination were praised by both sides.
One of the most remarkable contributions of the Kelly's Irish Brigade was during the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 2, 1863, the brigade was tasked with defending the Union's left flank on Little Round Top. Under intense enemy fire, the brigade held their position, withstanding multiple Confederate attacks. They also played a vital role in repelling Pickett's Charge on July 3, which is considered the turning point of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Legacy of Courage:
The Kelly's Irish Brigade's legacy of courage is deeply rooted in their unwavering determination and bravery on the battlefield. Despite facing immense hardships, including harsh weather conditions, lack of proper equipment, and heavy casualties, the brigade never wavered in their loyalty and dedication to their cause.
Their courage and determination earned them the respect and admiration of their fellow soldiers, as well as their enemies. General Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate Army, referred to them as the 'Fighting Irish' and praised their bravery and tenacity on the battlefield.
The Kelly's Irish Brigade also had a significant impact on the Irish-American community and the perception of Irish immigrants in the United States. They proved their loyalty and patriotism to their adopted country, dispelling any doubts about their commitment to the Union cause. This legacy of courage and sacrifice has been passed down through generations, inspiring future Irish-Americans to serve their country with honor and bravery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kelly's Irish Brigade has left an enduring legacy of courage in the history of the United States. The bravery and determination displayed by this brigade on the battlefield have earned them a place among the most renowned military units in American history. Their legacy continues to inspire and instill a sense of pride and honor in the Irish-American community. The Kelly's Irish Brigade will forever be remembered as a symbol of courage and dedication, and their contributions to the Union cause will never be forgotten.