Lyr Req: The Boys That Wore the Green

Subject: Boys that wore the green
From: Harald
Date: 14 Dec 98 - 01:57 PM

Can't find this song of Irish soldiers during the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865) in the DB. I have a tape (must be new) by the singing of David Kincaid (A memeber of the Brandos). The record is called "The Irish Volunteer". Does anybody have the verses? I can't understand some phrases - i. E. names etc...

Subject: Lyr Add: THE BOYS THAT WORE THE GREEN
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 14 Dec 98 - 11:07 PM

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 Francus Meagher [Ma-her] 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.

All the best,
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Boys that wore the green
From: Harald
Date: 15 Dec 98 - 06:32 AM

Thank you Dan! They should ADD this beautiful song to the DataBase.

Le gac dea-gui Nollaig agus don At Bliain! (With every good wish for Christmas and the New Year!)

HARALD

Subject: RE: Boys that wore the green
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 15 Dec 98 - 08:03 AM

Haraldur min!

Gledileg jol og farsaelt komandi ar.

Donal O Cremin Milner

Subject: RE: Boys that wore the green
From: Harald
Date: 16 Dec 98 - 07:47 AM

Hi Dan,

it's me again. Do you know what "Zouave band" means?

Slan leat ... HARALD

Subject: RE: Boys that wore the green
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 16 Dec 98 - 11:12 AM

Yes. It was universally assumed the the War would be over in no time flat. As an illustration, the Union enlistment period was 90 days! Going to war had a festive, jingoistic feel about it.

There was no standarization in uniforms, so certain unit commanding officers picked garb more suitable to the parade ground than as battle wear.

French soldiers in Algeria were known as Zouaves and their brightly colored uniforms were adapted by numerous units. Thomas Francis Meagher's 69th New York Regiment (later called "The Fighting 69th") wore red uniforms better for hiding blood than the wearer. They had a tough time of it that day but fought bravely and left the field in an organized manner in contrast with the Union Army as a whole which was routed.

All the best,
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Boys that wore the green
From: Harald Schmidt
Date: 16 Dec 98 - 12:19 PM

Yepp... thanks Dan, that's what I wanted to know :-))

Subject: RE: Boys that wore the green
From: Ralph Butts
Date: 16 Dec 98 - 12:43 PM

Dan.....Can you give us the tune?.....Tiger

Subject: RE: Boys that wore the green
From: Harald Schmidt
Date: 16 Dec 98 - 01:51 PM

Tiger, if you are interested, you'll find the whole songs on a new CD from David Kincaid, who normally is the singer of the band "The Brandos". Name of the CD is "The Irish Volunteer - Songs of the Irish Unions Soldiers 1861-1865" For more details click here

If it is not possible for someone to send you the tune, I can create a mp3-file from that song for you if you want.

HARALD

Subject: RE: Boys that wore the green
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 16 Dec 98 - 09:19 PM

I'm afraid Harald's right, Tiger.

If you want to hear me sing, you'll have to settle for 1 of 3 other songs...

http://www.folklegacy.com/cd/cd124.htm

All the best,
Dan