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User Name Thread Name Subject Posted
maire-aine Lyr Req: Battle of the Yellow Ford (12) RE: Lyr Req: Battle of the Yellow Ford 29 Aug 23


Here are the lyrics as I learned them.

THE BATTLE OF YELLOW FORD

The Virgin Queen rests uncontented
Hugh O’Neill her crown has dented
Rebel ways he’s not repented
still defies her English laws.
She has sent her forces north
Sir Henry Bagnell* leads them forth.
Has orders to relieve Fort More*
And end this treason evermore.

Chorus:
The noblest of Ulster Lords
Have joined O’Neill and pledged their swords.
Swore an oath and gave their words
to win the day at Yellow Ford.

The West has rallied to the call
And Hugh O’Donnell leads them all.
And Hugh McGuire, Fermanagh’s lord
Six hundred horsemen ride t’ the ford.
Above the sea, the times of old
A glorious victory is foretold
As spirits soar, their hearts made bold
Await the command of proud ________*.

The war pipes wail their marshal sound
Bagnell’s advance is turned around.
O’Neill pursues and gaining ground
The red hand banner flying proud.
Retreat is called; they’re undefended
Bagnell falls; the battle’s ended.
Quickly won and well contended.
Ulster is O’Neill’s once more.

*Notes: There are some liberties taken with lyrics so they scan. The English commander was “Bagenal”, but scans better as “Bag’nell”. The fort was “Blackwater” not “More”. The last word of the third stanza is lost to me, but it should be something that rhymes with “old/bold/foretold”.


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