'Twas Eight-Hour Day, and proudly Old Labour led the way;The drums were bearing loudly, The crowded streets were gay;But something touched my heart like pain, I could not check the sighThat rose within my bosom when The Irish Flag went by.
Bright flags were raised about it And one of them my own:And patriots trod beneath it-- But it seemed all alone.I thought of ruined Ireland While crystals from the skyFell soft like tears by angels shed, As the Irish Flag went by.
I love the dark green standard As Irish patriots do;It waves above the rebels, And I'm a rebel too,I thought of Ireland's darkest years, Her griefs that follow fast;For drooping as 'twere drenched with tears The Irish Flag went past.
And though 'twas not in Erin That my forefathers trod;And though my wandering footsteps Ne'er pressed the "dear old sod",I felt the wrongs the Irish feel Beneath the northern sky.And felt the rebel in my heart When the Irish Flag went by.
I tell you, men of England, Who rule the land by might;I tell you, Irish traitors Who sell the sons of light,The tyranny shall fail at last, That changeful days are nigh;And you shall dip your red flag yet, When the Irish Flag goes by.