The Boys of the Irish Brigade Lyrics And Chords
All credit goes to David Kincaid for setting the song to the melody "My Lodging is on the Cold Ground" (as the original lyric had no melody specified), for recording it on his album, "The Irish Volunteer" and for providing information on the song's background.
The song is about the Irish Brigade of the French Army (1691-1791) and it was published in Philadelphia in 1860. This song was sung by the Irish during the Civil War and could also have been used to refer to the famous Irish Brigade of the Union Army.
(The chords as seen in the first verse are repeated as such throughout) Guitar chords by Robert Morrow.
A ballad group from Ireland adapted their name from The Irish Brigade of the United States and called themselves The Irish Brigade [ songs ]
The song is about the Irish Brigade of the French Army (1691-1791) and it was published in Philadelphia in 1860. This song was sung by the Irish during the Civil War and could also have been used to refer to the famous Irish Brigade of the Union Army.
(The chords as seen in the first verse are repeated as such throughout) Guitar chords by Robert Morrow.
A ballad group from Ireland adapted their name from The Irish Brigade of the United States and called themselves The Irish Brigade [ songs ]
[G] What for shall I sing you of [C] Roman or Greek,
Or of [G] boys we [D] heard tell of in [G] story?
Come match me for fighting, for [C] frolic or freak,
An [G] Irishman's [D] reign in his [G] glory!
For Ajax and Hector and [C] bold Agamemnon,
Were [G] up to the [D] tricks of our [G] trade, O!
By the rollicking boys for war, [C] ladies and noise,
[G] The boys of the [D] Irish [G] Brigade, O!
What for should I sing you of Helen or Troy,
Or the mischief that came by her flirting?
There's Biddy MacClinchy the pride of Fermoy,
Twice as much of a Helen, that's certain.
Then for Venus, so famous, or Queen Cleopatra,
Bad luck to the word should be said, O,
By the rollicking boys, for war, ladies and noise,
The Boys of the Irish Brigade, O!
What for should I sing you of classical fun,
Or of games, whether Grecian or Persian?
Sure the Curragh's the place where the knowing one's done,
And Mallow that flogs for diversion.
For fighting, for drinking, for ladies and all,
No time like our times e'er was made, O,
By the rollicking boys, for war, ladies and noise,
The boys of the Irish Brigade, O!
Or of [G] boys we [D] heard tell of in [G] story?
Come match me for fighting, for [C] frolic or freak,
An [G] Irishman's [D] reign in his [G] glory!
For Ajax and Hector and [C] bold Agamemnon,
Were [G] up to the [D] tricks of our [G] trade, O!
By the rollicking boys for war, [C] ladies and noise,
[G] The boys of the [D] Irish [G] Brigade, O!
What for should I sing you of Helen or Troy,
Or the mischief that came by her flirting?
There's Biddy MacClinchy the pride of Fermoy,
Twice as much of a Helen, that's certain.
Then for Venus, so famous, or Queen Cleopatra,
Bad luck to the word should be said, O,
By the rollicking boys, for war, ladies and noise,
The Boys of the Irish Brigade, O!
What for should I sing you of classical fun,
Or of games, whether Grecian or Persian?
Sure the Curragh's the place where the knowing one's done,
And Mallow that flogs for diversion.
For fighting, for drinking, for ladies and all,
No time like our times e'er was made, O,
By the rollicking boys, for war, ladies and noise,
The boys of the Irish Brigade, O!
Review: “The Boys of the Irish Brigade”
(Traditional Irish-American Folk Song)
Overview“The Boys of the Irish Brigade” is a stirring Irish-American folk song that celebrates the courage, loyalty, and fighting spirit of Irish soldiers who served in foreign wars — most notably the American Civil War, though its roots reach back to earlier centuries of Irish military history. Like many ballads of its kind, it blends patriotism, nostalgia, and pride in the Irish fighting tradition, making it both a martial anthem and a poignant reminder of Ireland’s complex history abroad.
This song exists in several versions — some commemorating the Irish Brigade of the Union Army (notably at Antietam and Fredericksburg), others alluding to the “Wild Geese”, the Irish soldiers who fought for France and Spain after exile in the 17th and 18th centuries. Whatever the version, the theme is clear: the bravery and honour of Irishmen fighting far from home, carrying Ireland’s spirit with them.
Lyrics & StoryA typical version opens with lines such as:
Oh, the boys of the Irish Brigade,
How they laugh and how they played,
When the drums began to roll and the muskets made parade,
Sure the devil couldn’t faze the lads from Ireland’s ways,
For they fought with a heart full of glory.
The verses depict the fierce pride and humour of Irish soldiers — unbowed by danger, loyal to their comrades, and never without a grin or a song. The chorus, rousing and rhythmic, often includes a shout of camaraderie, uniting soldiers and listeners alike in the shared spirit of defiance and pride.
Historical BackgroundThe “Irish Brigade” was one of the most famous fighting units in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861–1865). Composed largely of Irish immigrants, many of them recent arrivals fleeing the Great Famine, the Brigade gained legendary status for their bravery in some of the war’s bloodiest battles — particularly Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg.
Led by Brigadier General Thomas Francis Meagher, the Brigade suffered heavy casualties but became symbolic of the Irish contribution to America’s story. Their battle cry, “Faugh a Ballagh!” (“Clear the Way!”), echoed from earlier Irish regiments in European wars and became a rallying cry for Irish soldiers everywhere.
“The Boys of the Irish Brigade,” in its various lyrical forms, immortalizes that spirit — not as propaganda, but as heartfelt admiration for ordinary men who faced extraordinary trials.
Musical CharacterMusically, the song is typically written in a march-like 4/4 rhythm, with a strong melodic line that invites both solo and choral performance. It’s a folk-military hybrid — proud yet lyrical, often performed with fiddle, flute, accordion, or pipe band accompaniment.
The melody is uplifting and steady, giving a sense of forward motion — like a regiment on the march. The chords are simple and traditional (often D–G–A–D or G–C–D progressions), which makes the song easy to play for folk musicians and pub sessions.
When sung slowly, it can sound mournful, evoking the loss of war; when sung briskly, it becomes a marching song of unity and pride.
Themes & Symbolism
LBeyond music, the song helped shape Irish-American identity — portraying Irish immigrants not as outcasts, but as heroes who fought valiantly for their adopted country while keeping Ireland in their hearts.
It also links to the broader tradition of Irish martial ballads, alongside classics like Kelly the Boy from Killanne, Roddy McCorley, and The Minstrel Boy — all of which mix pride, melancholy, and patriotism in equal measure.
Why It Still Resonates
Final Thoughts“The Boys of the Irish Brigade” is more than just a war song — it’s a celebration of Irish resilience, brotherhood, and national pride. Whether sung around a campfire, in a pub, or at a memorial, it connects listeners to a legacy of courage that transcends borders and centuries.
In true Irish fashion, it manages to be triumphant and sorrowful, bold and tender — a fitting tribute to the lads who carried the green flag into foreign fields and never forgot where they came from.
(Traditional Irish-American Folk Song)
Overview“The Boys of the Irish Brigade” is a stirring Irish-American folk song that celebrates the courage, loyalty, and fighting spirit of Irish soldiers who served in foreign wars — most notably the American Civil War, though its roots reach back to earlier centuries of Irish military history. Like many ballads of its kind, it blends patriotism, nostalgia, and pride in the Irish fighting tradition, making it both a martial anthem and a poignant reminder of Ireland’s complex history abroad.
This song exists in several versions — some commemorating the Irish Brigade of the Union Army (notably at Antietam and Fredericksburg), others alluding to the “Wild Geese”, the Irish soldiers who fought for France and Spain after exile in the 17th and 18th centuries. Whatever the version, the theme is clear: the bravery and honour of Irishmen fighting far from home, carrying Ireland’s spirit with them.
Lyrics & StoryA typical version opens with lines such as:
Oh, the boys of the Irish Brigade,
How they laugh and how they played,
When the drums began to roll and the muskets made parade,
Sure the devil couldn’t faze the lads from Ireland’s ways,
For they fought with a heart full of glory.
The verses depict the fierce pride and humour of Irish soldiers — unbowed by danger, loyal to their comrades, and never without a grin or a song. The chorus, rousing and rhythmic, often includes a shout of camaraderie, uniting soldiers and listeners alike in the shared spirit of defiance and pride.
Historical BackgroundThe “Irish Brigade” was one of the most famous fighting units in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861–1865). Composed largely of Irish immigrants, many of them recent arrivals fleeing the Great Famine, the Brigade gained legendary status for their bravery in some of the war’s bloodiest battles — particularly Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg.
Led by Brigadier General Thomas Francis Meagher, the Brigade suffered heavy casualties but became symbolic of the Irish contribution to America’s story. Their battle cry, “Faugh a Ballagh!” (“Clear the Way!”), echoed from earlier Irish regiments in European wars and became a rallying cry for Irish soldiers everywhere.
“The Boys of the Irish Brigade,” in its various lyrical forms, immortalizes that spirit — not as propaganda, but as heartfelt admiration for ordinary men who faced extraordinary trials.
Musical CharacterMusically, the song is typically written in a march-like 4/4 rhythm, with a strong melodic line that invites both solo and choral performance. It’s a folk-military hybrid — proud yet lyrical, often performed with fiddle, flute, accordion, or pipe band accompaniment.
The melody is uplifting and steady, giving a sense of forward motion — like a regiment on the march. The chords are simple and traditional (often D–G–A–D or G–C–D progressions), which makes the song easy to play for folk musicians and pub sessions.
When sung slowly, it can sound mournful, evoking the loss of war; when sung briskly, it becomes a marching song of unity and pride.
Themes & Symbolism
- Pride and identity: The song honours the Irish reputation for courage, loyalty, and resilience — qualities celebrated in Irish communities abroad.
- Exile and belonging: It reflects the bittersweet truth of Irishmen fighting in foreign armies — exiled from home, yet making their mark wherever they went.
- Brotherhood in adversity: Like many soldier songs, it celebrates the camaraderie that binds men together amid hardship and danger.
- Cultural memory: The Irish Brigade became a symbol of national character — brave, spirited, and deeply human.
LBeyond music, the song helped shape Irish-American identity — portraying Irish immigrants not as outcasts, but as heroes who fought valiantly for their adopted country while keeping Ireland in their hearts.
It also links to the broader tradition of Irish martial ballads, alongside classics like Kelly the Boy from Killanne, Roddy McCorley, and The Minstrel Boy — all of which mix pride, melancholy, and patriotism in equal measure.
Why It Still Resonates
- It embodies the dual identity of the Irish abroad — proud of their roots, yet active in shaping other nations’ histories.
- Its chorus and rhythm invite communal singing, making it a perfect folk anthem.
- The song carries both joy and tragedy, capturing the full emotional spectrum of Irish experience.
Final Thoughts“The Boys of the Irish Brigade” is more than just a war song — it’s a celebration of Irish resilience, brotherhood, and national pride. Whether sung around a campfire, in a pub, or at a memorial, it connects listeners to a legacy of courage that transcends borders and centuries.
In true Irish fashion, it manages to be triumphant and sorrowful, bold and tender — a fitting tribute to the lads who carried the green flag into foreign fields and never forgot where they came from.
