The Boys Of Wexford Lyrics And Chords
The Boys Of Wexford Easy Guitar Chords And Lyrics. Irish Rebel Song from Co. Wexford Ireland- The youtube video is of John McCormack [Tommy Byrne Singing] the song commemorates the battle of 1798 and was written by Patrick Joseph McColl. Other songs from Wexford that talk of Vinegar Hill include Boolavogue Song which is likely the best known Wexford song of them all .
The Boys of Wexford is a traditional Irish folk song that has become a symbol of Irish rebellion and resistance against British rule. It tells the story of the Irish uprising against the English in the town of Wexford, which took place in 1798. The song has been passed down through generations and remains a powerful and emotive representation of Irish identity and the struggle for independence.
The song begins with the line “In comes the captain’s daughter, the captain of the Yeos”, immediately setting the scene of a British military presence in Ireland. The “captain’s daughter” symbolizes the British authority and oppression that the Irish people faced. The Yeos, or Yeomanry, were a British militia force that was widely despised by the Irish for their brutal tactics and mistreatment of civilians. The mention of the Yeos in the song highlights the constant presence of British forces and their role in maintaining control over the Irish population.
The next line, “Saying ‘up with your hands, surrender, you dogs, or else you’ll surely die’”, further emphasizes the oppressive nature of British rule in Ireland. The use of the word “dogs” dehumanizes the Irish rebels and portrays them as less than human in the eyes of the British. This dehumanization was a common tactic used by the British to justify their mistreatment of the Irish. The line also highlights the unequal power dynamic between the British and the Irish, with the British wielding their authority and the Irish being forced to surrender.
The chorus of the song, “Hurrah, my boys, for Wexford, hurrah for the town that we love so dear”, serves as a rallying cry for the Irish rebels. Wexford, a town in the southeast of Ireland, was a key location in the 1798 rebellion and holds a significant place in Irish history. The use of the word “boys” in the chorus is significant, as it reflects the young age of many of the rebels who took part in the uprising. These boys were willing to risk their lives for the cause of Irish independence, demonstrating their unwavering dedication and bravery.
The second verse of the song describes the Irish rebels as “gallant men” who were “marching to the battlefield”. This depiction of the rebels as brave and courageous fighters further emphasizes their heroism and the nobility of their cause. It also serves as a contrast to the British portrayal of the rebels as “dogs” in the first verse. The rebels are not only fighting for their own freedom, but also for the freedom of their fellow Irishmen, as the line “fighting for our liberty and our rights” suggests.
The phrase “they fought for old Ireland and never feared to die” in the third verse encapsulates the spirit of the rebellion and the determination of the Irish rebels. The rebels were not fighting for personal gain or glory, but for the greater cause of Irish independence. The idea of fighting for “old Ireland” also reflects a sense of national pride and a longing for a time when Ireland was free from British rule.
The final verse of the song is particularly poignant as it recounts the aftermath of the uprising. The rebels are described as “lying cold and dead”, highlighting the tragic loss of life that occurred during the rebellion. The line “the boys of Wexford, they are no more” serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of the rebels, who gave their lives for the cause of Irish independence. It also reflects the harsh reality of the rebellion, as many of the rebels were killed by the British in the aftermath of the uprising.
In conclusion, The Boys of Wexford is a powerful and emotive song that captures the spirit of Irish rebellion and resistance against British rule. Through its depiction of the Irish rebels as brave and noble fighters, it serves as a symbol of Irish identity and the struggle for independence. The song has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved and significant piece of Irish folklore, reflecting the enduring legacy of the 1798 Wexford rebellion.
The song begins with the line “In comes the captain’s daughter, the captain of the Yeos”, immediately setting the scene of a British military presence in Ireland. The “captain’s daughter” symbolizes the British authority and oppression that the Irish people faced. The Yeos, or Yeomanry, were a British militia force that was widely despised by the Irish for their brutal tactics and mistreatment of civilians. The mention of the Yeos in the song highlights the constant presence of British forces and their role in maintaining control over the Irish population.
The next line, “Saying ‘up with your hands, surrender, you dogs, or else you’ll surely die’”, further emphasizes the oppressive nature of British rule in Ireland. The use of the word “dogs” dehumanizes the Irish rebels and portrays them as less than human in the eyes of the British. This dehumanization was a common tactic used by the British to justify their mistreatment of the Irish. The line also highlights the unequal power dynamic between the British and the Irish, with the British wielding their authority and the Irish being forced to surrender.
The chorus of the song, “Hurrah, my boys, for Wexford, hurrah for the town that we love so dear”, serves as a rallying cry for the Irish rebels. Wexford, a town in the southeast of Ireland, was a key location in the 1798 rebellion and holds a significant place in Irish history. The use of the word “boys” in the chorus is significant, as it reflects the young age of many of the rebels who took part in the uprising. These boys were willing to risk their lives for the cause of Irish independence, demonstrating their unwavering dedication and bravery.
The second verse of the song describes the Irish rebels as “gallant men” who were “marching to the battlefield”. This depiction of the rebels as brave and courageous fighters further emphasizes their heroism and the nobility of their cause. It also serves as a contrast to the British portrayal of the rebels as “dogs” in the first verse. The rebels are not only fighting for their own freedom, but also for the freedom of their fellow Irishmen, as the line “fighting for our liberty and our rights” suggests.
The phrase “they fought for old Ireland and never feared to die” in the third verse encapsulates the spirit of the rebellion and the determination of the Irish rebels. The rebels were not fighting for personal gain or glory, but for the greater cause of Irish independence. The idea of fighting for “old Ireland” also reflects a sense of national pride and a longing for a time when Ireland was free from British rule.
The final verse of the song is particularly poignant as it recounts the aftermath of the uprising. The rebels are described as “lying cold and dead”, highlighting the tragic loss of life that occurred during the rebellion. The line “the boys of Wexford, they are no more” serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of the rebels, who gave their lives for the cause of Irish independence. It also reflects the harsh reality of the rebellion, as many of the rebels were killed by the British in the aftermath of the uprising.
In conclusion, The Boys of Wexford is a powerful and emotive song that captures the spirit of Irish rebellion and resistance against British rule. Through its depiction of the Irish rebels as brave and noble fighters, it serves as a symbol of Irish identity and the struggle for independence. The song has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved and significant piece of Irish folklore, reflecting the enduring legacy of the 1798 Wexford rebellion.
In [G] comes the [C] captain's [D] daughter,
The captain [D] of the [Em] Yeos,
Saying: [G] Brave [C] United [D] Irishmen,
We'll [G] ne'er a[D]gain be [G] foes.
A [C] thousand pounds I'll [G] bring
If you will [C] fly from [G] home with [Em] me,
And [G] dress myself in [C] man's [D] attire
And [G] fight for [D] liber[G]ty.
[chorus]
We [C] are the boys of [G] Wexford,
Who [C] fought with [G] heart and [Em] hand
To [G] burst in twain the [C] galling [D] chain
And [G] free our [D] native [G] land.
I want no gold, my maiden fair,
To fly from home with thee;
You shining eyes will be my prize -
More dear than gold to me.
I want no gold to nerve my arm
To do a true man's part -
To free my land I'd gladly give
The red drops of my heart."
And when we left our cabins, boys,
We left with right good will
To see our friends and neighbours
That were at Vinegar Hill!
A young man from our Irish ranks
A cannon he let go;
He slapt it into Lord Mountjoy -
A tyrant he laid low! Chorus:
We bravely fought and conquered
At Ross and Wexford town;
Three Bullet Gate for years to come
Will speak of our renown;
Through Walpole's horse and Walpole's foot
On Tubberneering's day,
Depending on the long, bright pike,
We cut our gory way.
And Oulart's name shall be their shame,
Whose steel we ne'er did fear.
For every man could do his part
Like Forth and Shelmalier!
And if for want of leaders,
We lost at Vinegar Hill,
We're ready for another fight,
And love our country still!
Information On The Boys Of Wexford.
The song is a traditional ballad collected by
Robert Dwyer Joyce (1830-iris Weston Joyce)
born in Glenosheen, Co. Limerick. who
wrote The Wind That Shakes The
Barley Song . While studying
medicine he was a writer and collector of songs
and ballads he supported himself by writing
for the 'The Nation' newspaper,and many of his
poems and ballads were printed in the newspaper.
he graduated from Queens College Cork in 1865.
He became professor of English at the Catholic
University.According to Joyce he used to sing
this song with other words as a child and only
two of the original verses were incorporated
in this ballad, The original words are said to
be the work of a Wexford rebel.
First published in 1872 in his book
''Ancient Irish Music''.
The song is a traditional ballad collected by
Robert Dwyer Joyce (1830-iris Weston Joyce)
born in Glenosheen, Co. Limerick. who
wrote The Wind That Shakes The
Barley Song . While studying
medicine he was a writer and collector of songs
and ballads he supported himself by writing
for the 'The Nation' newspaper,and many of his
poems and ballads were printed in the newspaper.
he graduated from Queens College Cork in 1865.
He became professor of English at the Catholic
University.According to Joyce he used to sing
this song with other words as a child and only
two of the original verses were incorporated
in this ballad, The original words are said to
be the work of a Wexford rebel.
First published in 1872 in his book
''Ancient Irish Music''.
The Brave Rebel From Wexford
It was a cold and blustery day in the town of Wexford, Ireland. The wind whipped through the narrow streets, sending leaves and debris flying in every direction. In the midst of it all, a young man named Liam O'Connor stood tall and proud, his fiery red hair blowing in the wind.
Liam was a rebel, a fighter for Irish independence. He had grown up in a family of rebels, his parents and grandparents all actively involved in the fight against British rule. From a young age, he had been taught to never back down, to always stand up for what he believed in.
And what Liam believed in was freedom for his people. He had seen firsthand the injustices and atrocities committed by the British, and he refused to sit idly by and watch his country suffer. So he joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret society dedicated to overthrowing British rule in Ireland.
Liam was a skilled fighter and a natural leader. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow rebels. But with each passing day, the British tightened their grip on Ireland, making it harder and harder for the rebels to carry out their plans.
One day, Liam received word that a shipment of weapons was arriving at the docks in Wexford. It was a rare opportunity, one that could give the rebels an advantage in their fight. Without hesitation, Liam gathered a group of his most trusted comrades and set off for the docks.
As they approached the docks, they could see the British soldiers standing guard, their rifles at the ready. But Liam was not one to be intimidated. With a fierce determination in his eyes, he led his men into battle.
The fight was fierce and bloody, but the rebels were determined to succeed. Liam's leadership and bravery inspired them to fight harder than they ever had before. With each enemy they took down, they grew stronger and more determined.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the rebels emerged victorious. They had secured the weapons and sent the British soldiers running in retreat. The cheers and cries of victory echoed through the streets of Wexford, and Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction.
But their victory was short-lived. The British were not ones to back down easily, and they soon retaliated with a vengeance. They arrested and executed many of the rebels, including Liam's parents and grandparents.
Heartbroken and filled with rage, Liam vowed to continue the fight for Irish independence. He became even more determined and fearless, earning the nickname 'The Brave Irish Rebel from Wexford.'
Years went by, and the fight for independence continued. Liam became a legend among the rebels, his name spoken with reverence and admiration. And although he faced many hardships and losses, he never wavered in his belief that one day, Ireland would be free.
Finally, on Easter Monday in 1916, the Irish rebels launched a massive uprising against the British. And in the midst of it all, leading the charge, was Liam O'Connor. The battle was long and grueling, but in the end, the rebels emerged victorious. Ireland had finally gained its independence, and Liam's dream had become a reality.
From that day on, Liam was hailed as a hero, a symbol of courage and determination. He had risked everything for his country, and his bravery would never be forgotten. The brave Irish rebel from Wexford had left a legacy that would live on for generations to come.
It was a cold and blustery day in the town of Wexford, Ireland. The wind whipped through the narrow streets, sending leaves and debris flying in every direction. In the midst of it all, a young man named Liam O'Connor stood tall and proud, his fiery red hair blowing in the wind.
Liam was a rebel, a fighter for Irish independence. He had grown up in a family of rebels, his parents and grandparents all actively involved in the fight against British rule. From a young age, he had been taught to never back down, to always stand up for what he believed in.
And what Liam believed in was freedom for his people. He had seen firsthand the injustices and atrocities committed by the British, and he refused to sit idly by and watch his country suffer. So he joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret society dedicated to overthrowing British rule in Ireland.
Liam was a skilled fighter and a natural leader. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow rebels. But with each passing day, the British tightened their grip on Ireland, making it harder and harder for the rebels to carry out their plans.
One day, Liam received word that a shipment of weapons was arriving at the docks in Wexford. It was a rare opportunity, one that could give the rebels an advantage in their fight. Without hesitation, Liam gathered a group of his most trusted comrades and set off for the docks.
As they approached the docks, they could see the British soldiers standing guard, their rifles at the ready. But Liam was not one to be intimidated. With a fierce determination in his eyes, he led his men into battle.
The fight was fierce and bloody, but the rebels were determined to succeed. Liam's leadership and bravery inspired them to fight harder than they ever had before. With each enemy they took down, they grew stronger and more determined.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the rebels emerged victorious. They had secured the weapons and sent the British soldiers running in retreat. The cheers and cries of victory echoed through the streets of Wexford, and Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction.
But their victory was short-lived. The British were not ones to back down easily, and they soon retaliated with a vengeance. They arrested and executed many of the rebels, including Liam's parents and grandparents.
Heartbroken and filled with rage, Liam vowed to continue the fight for Irish independence. He became even more determined and fearless, earning the nickname 'The Brave Irish Rebel from Wexford.'
Years went by, and the fight for independence continued. Liam became a legend among the rebels, his name spoken with reverence and admiration. And although he faced many hardships and losses, he never wavered in his belief that one day, Ireland would be free.
Finally, on Easter Monday in 1916, the Irish rebels launched a massive uprising against the British. And in the midst of it all, leading the charge, was Liam O'Connor. The battle was long and grueling, but in the end, the rebels emerged victorious. Ireland had finally gained its independence, and Liam's dream had become a reality.
From that day on, Liam was hailed as a hero, a symbol of courage and determination. He had risked everything for his country, and his bravery would never be forgotten. The brave Irish rebel from Wexford had left a legacy that would live on for generations to come.