Lyr Req: Sniper's Lament (Irish song)

Subject: Lyics for Sniper's Lament (irish song)
From:
Date: 09 Feb 98 - 10:30 PM

I heard a guy sing a song he called Snipers Lament. It tells he story of a IRA sniper explaining his occupation himsel to his mother. The last line of the chorus goes somthing like "when this is all said and done, I promise I will put away my gun". Any help will be appreciated.

Rick

Subject: Lyr Add: SNIPER'S PROMISE^^
From: Wolfgang Hell
Date: 11 Feb 98 - 05:24 AM

Rick, I'm looking for the complete lyrics of this song myself. However, I have made a far from perfect transcription last year from the singing on a not very noteworthy CD "50 Complete Irish Rebel Songs".

I personally have considerable difficulties with the sentiment expressed in these lyrics and I dare to predict that this particular song will not make it to the hall of fame of the truly great Irish rebel songs. Nevertheless, here it is, better than nothing but in urgent need of corrections.

SNIPER'S PROMISE

Oh Mamma, oh mamma, comfort me,
I know these awful things have got to be,
But when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you, I'll put away my gun.

1. The night was icy cold, I stood alone
Waiting for an Army foot patrol.
When at last they came within my sight
I squeezed the trigger of my armalite.

2. (Jut/shot rang out??) I heard a soldier cry:
"Please, don't leave me here (alone?) to die."
I realised his patrol had gone away
And left the wounded comrade for me to slay.

3. "There's nothing in this world I would not give,
If, mercy in your heart, you'd let me live."
And in his eyes I saw a burning flame
As my gun it slowly fell towards his brain.

4. Dawn was breaking as I reached my base,
Can't forget the look on that boy's face
(Bear agony, torment. They all were there, ?)
But to your memory, mamma, his life I spare(d?).

Wolfgang ^^

Subject: RE: Lyics for Sniper's Lament (irish song)
From: Rick
Date: 11 Feb 98 - 06:22 PM

Wolfgang, Thanks much for the lyrics. I admit it in't one of the greatest, but I hope it will be a good addition.

Slainte Rick

Subject: RE: Lyics for Sniper's Lament (irish song)
From:
Date: 10 Mar 99 - 09:08 PM

Rick I have a real good copy of this song. Its on a tape sold to support the IRA called the Irish Brigade Vol. 5. the inlay card names the song ( the snipers promise ) I can give you all the lyrics if you still need them

Subject: RE: Lyics for Sniper's Lament (irish song)
From: MudGuard
Date: 11 Mar 99 - 03:51 AM

Corrections to Wolfgang's lyrics of Sniper's Promise

- All the Æ should be '
- All the ä should be "
- 2nd Verse, 1st Line: A shot rang out, I heard a soldier cry
- 2nd Verse, 2nd Line: "Please don't leave me here alone to die."
- 4th Verse, 3rd Line: Fear, agony, torment, they all were there,
- 4th Verse, 4th Line: But to your memory, mamma, his life I spared.

cu,
Andreas

Subject: RE: Lyics for Sniper's Lament (irish song)
From: O'Boyle
Date: 11 Mar 99 - 05:47 AM

Navata, I am still interested in the lyrics if they are different than what has already been posted. I'd be interested in what other songs are on the tape and how I could obtain a copy. Please feel free to email me with the info, as I am sure that some here on the Mudcat would feel uncomfortable about advertising for the tape.

Rick

Subject: RE: Lyics for Sniper's Lament (irish song)
From: sligo.fsnet.co.uk
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 07:27 AM

Dear Comrade,Please let me know if you require any other lyrics

Subject: RE: Lyics for Sniper's Lament (irish song)
From:
Date: 04 Oct 00 - 02:39 AM

does anyone have the guitar chords for a snipers promise

Subject: RE: Lyics for Sniper's Lament (irish song)
From: mike putt
Date: 04 Oct 00 - 04:20 PM

Put me down for the tape,lyrics and chords thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sniper's Lament (Irish song)
From: GUEST,Dave corbett
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 05:57 AM

https://www.irish-folk-songs.com/the-snipers-promise-song-lyrics-and-chords.html

Subject: LYRIC ADD at
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 08:03 AM

GUEST,Dave corbett
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 05:57 AM

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sniper's Lament (Irish song)
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 10:11 AM

From the site referred to by Dave Corbett @ 13 Apr 20 - 05:57 AM

"The Sniper's Promise Song lyrics and guitar chords
Written by Joe McCann, recorded by Gary Og, The Wolfe Tones and Kathleen Largy, and it's Kathleen who is doing the singing in the youtube video. The chords are very easy and I have included the chords for Kathleen's version also. The verses and chorus use the same chords. The sniper's promise tin whistle sheet music .
The Sniper's Promise Song Words And Chords In D Major"

[D]The night was icy cold I stood a[Along
I was waiting for an[A7] army foot pa[D]trol
And[D] when at last they came into my[A] sight
I squeezed the trigger of my arma[D]lite

Oh mama, oh mama comfort me
For I know these awful things have got to be
But when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you I'll put away my gun.

A shot rang out, I heard a soldier cry
"Oh please don't leave me here alone to die"
I realized his patrol had run away
And left their wounded comrade for me to slay.

Oh mama, oh mama comfort me
For I know these awful things have got to be
But when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you I'll put away my gun.

"There's nothing in this world I would not do
If there's mercy in your heart you'll let me live"
And in his eyes I saw a look of pain
As the mussel of my gun moved towards his brain.

Oh mama, oh mama comfort me
For I know these awful things have got to be
But when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you I'll put away my gun.

The dawn was breaking as I reached my base
I will not forget the look on that boy's face
Fear, agony, and torment where all there
Oh but to your memory, mother, his life I spared.

Oh mama, oh mama comfort me
For I know these awful things have got to be
But when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you I'll put away my gun.