The Third West Cork Brigade Lyrics And Chords
Irish rebel song lyrics and guitar chords. The video is Declan Hunt who is the only ballad singer that I know of that sings ''Who Is Ireland's Enemy Song'' . The chords are by Marc Fahrbach.
(Air: Easter Week)
We'll (C)raise our (D)voices in (G)Ireland's praise
Glad are our (C)hearts to-(G)day,
For (C)Ireland's sons have (D)proved their worth
In the good old I.R.A.
All (G)parts fought well for (C)Roisin Dubh [ lyrics ]
But we a record made.
In (G)good old Cork, in famed West Cork,
The Third West (C)Cork Bri(G)gade.
At Newcestown we struck a blow
For Ireland and Sinn Fein.
At Ballinhassig next we proved
Our rights we would maintain.
The English foe we twice laid low,
We faced them undismayed.
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork,
The Third West Cork Brigade.
The Black and Tans [ lyrics and chords ]to Ireland came
To send us to our doom.
Their doughtiest warriors sallied forth
In lorries from Macrom.
But at Kilmichael's [ lyrics ] bloody fight
Their conquering course was stayed
By good old Cork, by famed West Cork,
The Third West Cork Brigade.
Then at Crosbarry's battlefield
Our gallant boys saw red.
For ten to one the Saxon host
Before our onslaught fled.
And o'er the hills we made our way
While our gallant piper played
In good old Cork, in famed west Cork
The third west Cork brigade
Our boys fought well in every fight
we need not call a name
But Commandants Hales and Barry
Are now well known to fame
Napoleon like they led us on
with courage we obeyed
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The Third West Cork Brigade.
But in our triumphs we shan't forget
Our comrades brave who fell
Some sleep today in nameless graves
But soon their deeds will tell
In grateful Ireland brave and free
We'll have their names displayed
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The Third West Cork Brigade
We'll (C)raise our (D)voices in (G)Ireland's praise
Glad are our (C)hearts to-(G)day,
For (C)Ireland's sons have (D)proved their worth
In the good old I.R.A.
All (G)parts fought well for (C)Roisin Dubh [ lyrics ]
But we a record made.
In (G)good old Cork, in famed West Cork,
The Third West (C)Cork Bri(G)gade.
At Newcestown we struck a blow
For Ireland and Sinn Fein.
At Ballinhassig next we proved
Our rights we would maintain.
The English foe we twice laid low,
We faced them undismayed.
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork,
The Third West Cork Brigade.
The Black and Tans [ lyrics and chords ]to Ireland came
To send us to our doom.
Their doughtiest warriors sallied forth
In lorries from Macrom.
But at Kilmichael's [ lyrics ] bloody fight
Their conquering course was stayed
By good old Cork, by famed West Cork,
The Third West Cork Brigade.
Then at Crosbarry's battlefield
Our gallant boys saw red.
For ten to one the Saxon host
Before our onslaught fled.
And o'er the hills we made our way
While our gallant piper played
In good old Cork, in famed west Cork
The third west Cork brigade
Our boys fought well in every fight
we need not call a name
But Commandants Hales and Barry
Are now well known to fame
Napoleon like they led us on
with courage we obeyed
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The Third West Cork Brigade.
But in our triumphs we shan't forget
Our comrades brave who fell
Some sleep today in nameless graves
But soon their deeds will tell
In grateful Ireland brave and free
We'll have their names displayed
In good old Cork, in famed West Cork
The Third West Cork Brigade
"The Third West Cork Brigade"! This is a significant Irish rebel song that specifically commemorates a very active and effective unit of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921).
Here's a breakdown of the song and its historical context:
Here's a breakdown of the song and its historical context:
- Historical Context - The West Cork Flying Columns:
- The West Cork IRA was one of the most active and successful areas of guerrilla warfare during the War of Independence. This region became famous for its flying columns, highly mobile and disciplined guerrilla units that launched ambushes and attacks on British forces (the Royal Irish Constabulary, British Army, and Black and Tans).
- While the song title refers to "The Third West Cork Brigade," the most famous and effective of these units was commanded by Tom Barry. His column achieved legendary status for its victories, such as the Kilmichael Ambush and the Crossbarry Ambush. These actions inflicted significant casualties on British forces and boosted Irish morale.
- The West Cork Brigade was organized into battalions and then further into active service units or "flying columns." The "Third West Cork Brigade" specifically refers to one of these well-structured and highly active units within the broader West Cork IRA command.
- The West Cork IRA was one of the most active and successful areas of guerrilla warfare during the War of Independence. This region became famous for its flying columns, highly mobile and disciplined guerrilla units that launched ambushes and attacks on British forces (the Royal Irish Constabulary, British Army, and Black and Tans).
- Theme and Meaning of the Song:
- Commemoration of Valour: The song is a tribute to the bravery, skill, and determination of the men of the Third West Cork Brigade. It glorifies their actions in fighting for Irish freedom.
- Guerrilla Warfare: It often details their tactics of ambush, their knowledge of the local terrain, and their ability to outmaneuver the more numerous and better-equipped British forces.
- Specific Engagements (often implied): While the song might not name every single engagement, it evokes the spirit of the numerous ambushes and skirmishes that took place across West Cork.
- Patriotism and Sacrifice: The lyrics express the deep love for Ireland and the willingness of these volunteers to risk and sacrifice their lives for the cause of independence.
- Defiance of British Rule: The song is an unambiguous statement against British occupation and a celebration of Irish resistance.
- Commemoration of Valour: The song is a tribute to the bravery, skill, and determination of the men of the Third West Cork Brigade. It glorifies their actions in fighting for Irish freedom.
- Musical Style and Popularity:
- "The Third West Cork Brigade" is typically performed as a stirring and often defiant rebel ballad. The melody is usually strong and marching, suitable for a song commemorating military action.
- It's a staple in the repertoire of Irish rebel music and is frequently performed by bands and singers who specialize in this genre. You'll often hear it at republican commemorations and gatherings.
- Artists like The Wolfe Tones, Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones, and various other ballad groups have performed and recorded versions of this song.
- "The Third West Cork Brigade" is typically performed as a stirring and often defiant rebel ballad. The melody is usually strong and marching, suitable for a song commemorating military action.
Tom Barry of the west Cork Brigade
River Lee in Cork City Ireland
