The song God Save Ireland (God save Ireland) fulfilled at the time of the Irish Republic from 1919 to 1922 and the Irish Free State from 1922 to 1926 the function of a national anthem , although the song had no official status. In 1926, The Soldier's Song officially became the national anthem of the Free State and remained so after the Free State was replaced by Éire in 1937 .
The song was written in 1867 by Timothy Daniel Sullivan under the influence of the trial of the so-called Manchester Martyrs , who were convicted and executed for the killing of a police officer in a prison break. The song quickly became popular among the Fenians .
High upon the gallows tree swung the noble-hearted three.
By the vengeful tyrant knitting in their bloom;
But they met him face to face, with the courage of their race,
and they went with souls undaunted to their doom.
The noble three swayed high on the gallows, Torn away
by the vengeful tyrant in their prime;
But they met him face to face with the courage of their people,
And they parted with souls intrepid from their fate.
Refrain:
"God save Ireland!" said the heroes;
"God save Ireland" said they all.
Whether on the scaffold high
Or the battlefield we die,
Oh, what matter when for Erin dear we fall!
Refrain:
"God save Ireland," said the heroes,
“God save Ireland!” They all said.
“Whether we are now high on the gallows
or if we die on the battlefield
What does it matter if we fall for dear Ireland! "
Girt around with cruel foes, still their courage proudly rose,
For they thought of hearts that loved them far and near;
Of the millions true and brave o'er the ocean's swelling wave,
And the friends in holy Ireland ever dear.
Still surrounded by cruel enemies, their courage rose proudly,
For they thought of the hearts near and far who loved them,
The loyal and brave millions on the other side of the waves of the ocean
And the so dear friends in holy Ireland.
Climbed they up the rugged stair, rang their voices out in prayer,
Then with England's fatal cord around them cast,
Close beside the gallows tree kissed like brothers lovingly,
True to home and faith and freedom to the last.
So they climbed the bumpy stairs, the voices in loud prayer,
And thrown over them with England's fateful rope, they
kissed each other close to the gallows as lovingly as brothers,
loyalty to their homeland, faith and freedom to the end.
Never till the latest day shall the memory pass away,
Of the gallant lives thus given for our land;
But on the cause must go, amidst joy and weal and woe,
Till we make our Isle a nation free and grand.
Their remembrance shall not pass until the last day of the
knightly life so given for our land;
But our cause must be carried on in joy, weal and woe,
Until we have made our island a free and great nation.
