The Boys That Wore The Green Songtext

The Boys That Wore The GreenOn the 21st of Julybeneath a burning sunMcDowell met the Southern troopsin battle at Bull RunAbove the Union vanguardwas proudly to be seenBeside the starry bannerold Erin´s flag of greenCol. Corcoran led the 69thon that eventful dayI wish the Prince of Wales were thereto see him in the frayHis charge upon the batterieswas a most glorious sceneWith gallant New York firemenand the boys that wear the greenIn the hottest of the firethere rode along the lineA captain of the Zouave band, crying"Now, boys, is your time"Ah, who so boldy rideswith the bold and dauntless men´Tis Thomas Francis Meagherof Erin´s isle of greenThe colors of the 69thI say it without shameWere taken in the struggleto swell the victor´s fameBut Farnham´s dashing Zouavesthat run with the machineRetook them in a momentwith the boys that wore the greenBeing overpowered by numbersour troops were forced to fleeThe Southern black horse cavalryon them charged furiouslyBut in that hour of perilthe flying mass to screenStood the gallant New York firemenwith the boys that wore the greenOh, the boys of the 69ththey are a gallant bandBolder never drew a swordfor their adopted landAmongst the fallen heroesa braver had not beenThan you, lamented Haggertyof Erin´s isle of greenFarewell, my gallant countrymenwho fell that fatal day.Farewell, ye noble firemennow mouldering in the clayhile blooms the leafy shamrockwhilst runs the old machineYour deeds will live bold Red Shirtsand boys that wore the green