Wrap The Green Flag Round Me Lyrics And Chords
The tin whistle sheet music is included. [ My Version ] J.K. O' Reilly wrote the lyrics.This old Irish ballad [ history was recorded by Luke Kelly with the Dubliners and Brian Roebuck, another great singer sang a verse or so of this song, I have yet to here any one do the whole song[except myself] the songwriter John Kevin O'Reilly was a Fenian who preached that ''Ireland Would Get Her Courage Only When She Fights For It'' , he proved his word when himself and his five sons fought in the 1916 rising. He died in 1929. The singer here in the youtube video is Brian Roebuck.
Oh wrap[D] the green flag[G] round me[D] boys,
To die were far more[A] sweet,
With[D] Erin's noble[G] emblem[D] boys,
To[G] be my[A] winding[D] sheet,
In[A] life I loved to[D] see it wave
And[G] follow where it[A] led,
But[D] now my eyes grow[G] dim-my[D] hand
Would grasp its[A] last bright[D] shred.
[Chorus]
Then[D] wrap the green flag[G] round me[D] boys,
To die were far more[A] sweet,
With[D] Erin's noble[G] emblem[D] boys,
To[G] be my[A] winding[D] sheet.
[2]
And I had hopes to meet you boys,
On many a well fought field,
When to our sacred banner boys,
The traitrous foe would yield,
But now at last I am denied,
My dearest prayer,
You'll follow and you'll meet the foe,
But I shall not be there.
[3]
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 of bloody fight,
Let not your courage lag
For I'll be there and hovering near,
Around the dear old flag.
To die were far more[A] sweet,
With[D] Erin's noble[G] emblem[D] boys,
To[G] be my[A] winding[D] sheet,
In[A] life I loved to[D] see it wave
And[G] follow where it[A] led,
But[D] now my eyes grow[G] dim-my[D] hand
Would grasp its[A] last bright[D] shred.
[Chorus]
Then[D] wrap the green flag[G] round me[D] boys,
To die were far more[A] sweet,
With[D] Erin's noble[G] emblem[D] boys,
To[G] be my[A] winding[D] sheet.
[2]
And I had hopes to meet you boys,
On many a well fought field,
When to our sacred banner boys,
The traitrous foe would yield,
But now at last I am denied,
My dearest prayer,
You'll follow and you'll meet the foe,
But I shall not be there.
[3]
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 of bloody fight,
Let not your courage lag
For I'll be there and hovering near,
Around the dear old flag.
Another Version Of The Chord Structure
(D)Wrap the (D7)green flag (G)round me (Em)boys,
To (D)die were (E7)far more (A)sweet,(A7)
With (D)Erin's (D7)noble (G)emblem (Em)boys,
To (D)be my (A)winding (D)sheet, -DSus4-D
In (A)life I (A7)loved to (D)see it (Bm)wave
And (E7)follow (Em)where it (A)led,(A7)
But (D)now my (D7)eyes grow (G)dim my (Em)hand
Would (D)grasp its (A)last bright (D)shred. -DSus4-D
Chorus
So (A)wrap the (A7)green flag (D)round me (Bm)boys,
To (E7)die were (Em)far more (A)sweet,(A7)
With (D)Erin's (D7)noble (G)emblem (Em)boys,
To (D)be my (A)winding (D)sheet. -DSus4-D
And (D)I had (D7)hopes to (G)meet you (Em)boys,
On (D)many a (E7)well fought (A)field,(A7)
When (D)to our (D7)sacred (G)banner (Em)boys,
The (D)traitrous (A)foe would (D)yield, -DSus4-D
But (A)now at (A7)last I (D)am de(Bm)nied,
My (E7)dearest (Em)earthly (A)prayer,(A7)
You'll (D)follow (D7)and you'll (G)meet the (Em)foe,
But (D)I shall (A)not be (D)there. -DSus4-D
Chorus
But (D)though my (D7)body (G)moulders (Em)boys
My (D)spirit (E7)will be (A)free,(A7)
And (D)every (D7)comrade's (G)honour (Em)boys
Will(D) yet be (A)dear to (D)me, -DSus4-D
And (A)in the (A7)thick of (D)bloody (Bm)fight,
Let (E7)not your (Em)courage (A)lag (A7)
For (D)I'll be (D7)there and (G)hovering (Em)near,
A(D)round the (A)dear old (D)flag. -DSus4-D
Chorus
(D)Wrap the (D7)green flag (G)round me (Em)boys,
To (D)die were (E7)far more (A)sweet,(A7)
With (D)Erin's (D7)noble (G)emblem (Em)boys,
To (D)be my (A)winding (D)sheet, -DSus4-D
In (A)life I (A7)loved to (D)see it (Bm)wave
And (E7)follow (Em)where it (A)led,(A7)
But (D)now my (D7)eyes grow (G)dim my (Em)hand
Would (D)grasp its (A)last bright (D)shred. -DSus4-D
Chorus
So (A)wrap the (A7)green flag (D)round me (Bm)boys,
To (E7)die were (Em)far more (A)sweet,(A7)
With (D)Erin's (D7)noble (G)emblem (Em)boys,
To (D)be my (A)winding (D)sheet. -DSus4-D
And (D)I had (D7)hopes to (G)meet you (Em)boys,
On (D)many a (E7)well fought (A)field,(A7)
When (D)to our (D7)sacred (G)banner (Em)boys,
The (D)traitrous (A)foe would (D)yield, -DSus4-D
But (A)now at (A7)last I (D)am de(Bm)nied,
My (E7)dearest (Em)earthly (A)prayer,(A7)
You'll (D)follow (D7)and you'll (G)meet the (Em)foe,
But (D)I shall (A)not be (D)there. -DSus4-D
Chorus
But (D)though my (D7)body (G)moulders (Em)boys
My (D)spirit (E7)will be (A)free,(A7)
And (D)every (D7)comrade's (G)honour (Em)boys
Will(D) yet be (A)dear to (D)me, -DSus4-D
And (A)in the (A7)thick of (D)bloody (Bm)fight,
Let (E7)not your (Em)courage (A)lag (A7)
For (D)I'll be (D7)there and (G)hovering (Em)near,
A(D)round the (A)dear old (D)flag. -DSus4-D
Chorus
The song 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is an iconic and powerful piece of Irish folk music that has served as a symbol of Irish identity and nationalism for over a century. Composed by J.K. O'Reilly in the late 19th century, the song has become a staple in Irish culture, evoking feelings of pride, unity, and patriotism in those who hear it. Through its lyrics and melody, 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' captures the essence of Irish history, struggle, and resilience, making it a timeless and enduring piece of art.
One of the key themes of 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is Irish nationalism. The green flag, which is the symbol of the Irish Republic, is constantly referenced throughout the song, serving as a call to arms for the Irish people. The lyrics 'Wrap the green flag round me, boys, to die were far more sweet' convey a strong sense of loyalty and dedication to the Irish cause, highlighting the sacrifices that individuals were willing to make for their country. This sentiment is further emphasized in the line 'For freedom comes to-morrow, boys, 'tis the grandest flag' which speaks to the hope and belief that the green flag represents for the Irish people.
The song also serves as a powerful reminder of Ireland's history and struggle for independence. The lyrics 'From the shamrock-crested valleys, to the cliffs of Donegal' allude to the geographical landscape of Ireland and the unity of its people, regardless of their location. It also references key locations in Irish history, such as the Valley of Glenmalure and the Cliffs of Donegal, which were significant sites in the fight for Irish independence. This serves to not only honor the past and those who fought for Ireland, but also to instill a sense of pride and connection to the land in the listeners.
Additionally, 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is a song of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics 'When the cruel wars are over, boys, and merry we shall be' speak to the enduring spirit of the Irish people, who have faced centuries of oppression and conflict. Despite the hardships, the song conveys a sense of hope and optimism for the future, reminding listeners that they will overcome their struggles and emerge victorious.
Furthermore, the melody of 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is a crucial element in its enduring popularity. The upbeat and catchy tune, paired with the powerful and emotive lyrics, creates an unforgettable and anthemic quality to the song. This has made it a popular choice for Irish musicians and has contributed to its widespread popularity and continued relevance.
Moreover, 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' has also served as a rallying cry and unifying force for the Irish people. During times of political turmoil and conflict, the song has been sung at rallies, protests, and during moments of national significance. Its powerful message and strong sense of Irish identity have helped to bring people together and inspire a sense of unity and purpose.
In conclusion, 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is more than just a song; it is a symbol of Irish identity, history, and resilience. Its enduring popularity and relevance over the years are a testament to its power and impact on Irish culture. From its stirring lyrics to its catchy melody, the song continues to evoke strong emotions and pride in the hearts of the Irish people, making it a timeless piece of Irish folk music.
One of the key themes of 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is Irish nationalism. The green flag, which is the symbol of the Irish Republic, is constantly referenced throughout the song, serving as a call to arms for the Irish people. The lyrics 'Wrap the green flag round me, boys, to die were far more sweet' convey a strong sense of loyalty and dedication to the Irish cause, highlighting the sacrifices that individuals were willing to make for their country. This sentiment is further emphasized in the line 'For freedom comes to-morrow, boys, 'tis the grandest flag' which speaks to the hope and belief that the green flag represents for the Irish people.
The song also serves as a powerful reminder of Ireland's history and struggle for independence. The lyrics 'From the shamrock-crested valleys, to the cliffs of Donegal' allude to the geographical landscape of Ireland and the unity of its people, regardless of their location. It also references key locations in Irish history, such as the Valley of Glenmalure and the Cliffs of Donegal, which were significant sites in the fight for Irish independence. This serves to not only honor the past and those who fought for Ireland, but also to instill a sense of pride and connection to the land in the listeners.
Additionally, 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is a song of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics 'When the cruel wars are over, boys, and merry we shall be' speak to the enduring spirit of the Irish people, who have faced centuries of oppression and conflict. Despite the hardships, the song conveys a sense of hope and optimism for the future, reminding listeners that they will overcome their struggles and emerge victorious.
Furthermore, the melody of 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is a crucial element in its enduring popularity. The upbeat and catchy tune, paired with the powerful and emotive lyrics, creates an unforgettable and anthemic quality to the song. This has made it a popular choice for Irish musicians and has contributed to its widespread popularity and continued relevance.
Moreover, 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' has also served as a rallying cry and unifying force for the Irish people. During times of political turmoil and conflict, the song has been sung at rallies, protests, and during moments of national significance. Its powerful message and strong sense of Irish identity have helped to bring people together and inspire a sense of unity and purpose.
In conclusion, 'Wrap the Green Flag Round Me' is more than just a song; it is a symbol of Irish identity, history, and resilience. Its enduring popularity and relevance over the years are a testament to its power and impact on Irish culture. From its stirring lyrics to its catchy melody, the song continues to evoke strong emotions and pride in the hearts of the Irish people, making it a timeless piece of Irish folk music.
