The Boys That Wore The Green Lyrics

The Boys That Wore The Green lyrics

On the 21st of July 

 beneath a burning sun 

 McDowell met the Southern troops  

 in battle at Bull Run 

 Above the Union vanguard 

 was proudly to be seen 

 Beside the starry banner 

 old Erin´s flag of green 

  

 Col. Corcoran led the 69th  

 on that eventful day 

 I wish the Prince of Wales were there 

 to see him in the fray 

 His charge upon the batteries  

 was a most glorious scene 

 With gallant New York firemen  

 and the boys that wear the green 

  

 In the hottest of the fire 

 there rode along the line 

 A captain of the Zouave band, crying 

 "Now, boys, is your time" 

 Ah, who so boldy rides  

 with the bold and dauntless men 

 ´Tis Thomas Francis Meagher  

 of Erin´s isle of green 

  

 The colors of the 69th 

 I say it without shame 

 Were taken in the struggle  

 to swell the victor´s fame 

 But Farnham´s dashing Zouaves 

 that run with the machine 

 Retook them in a moment 

 with the boys that wore the green 

  

 Being overpowered by numbers 

 our troops were forced to flee 

 The Southern black horse cavalry  

 on them charged furiously 

 But in that hour of peril 

 the flying mass to screen 

 Stood the gallant New York firemen  

 with the boys that wore the green 

  

 Oh, the boys of the 69th 

 they are a gallant band 

 Bolder never drew a sword  

 for their adopted land 

 Amongst the fallen heroes 

 a braver had not been 

 Than you, lamented Haggerty 

 of Erin´s isle of green 

  

 Farewell, my gallant countrymen  

 who fell that fatal day. 

 Farewell, ye noble firemen 

 now mouldering in the clay 

 While blooms the leafy shamrock 

 whilst runs the old machine 

 Your deeds will live bold Red Shirts  

 and boys that wore the green