[Chorus]
C
"God save Ireland," said the heroes
G
"God save Ireland," said they all
C F C
Whether on the scaffold high or the battlefield we die
G C
Oh, what matter when for Erin dear we fall?
[Verse]
C F C
High upon the gallows tree swung the noblehearted three
G
By the vengeful tyrant stricken in their bloom
C F C
But they met him face to face with the courage of their race
G C
And they went with souls undaunted to their doom
[Chorus]
C
"God save Ireland," said the heroes
G
"God save Ireland," said they all
C F C
Whether on the scaffold high or the battlefield we die
G C
Oh, what matter when for Erin dear we fall?
[Verse]
C F C
Climbed they up the rugged stair, rang their voices out in prayer
G
Then with England's fatal cord around them cast
C F C
Close beside the gallows tree, kissed like brothers lovingly
G C
True to home and faith and freedom to the last
[Chorus]
C
"God save Ireland," said the heroes
G
"God save Ireland," said they all
C F C
Whether on the scaffold high or the battlefield we die
G C
Oh, what matter when for Erin dear we fall?
[Verse]
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
[Chorus]
C
"God save Ireland," said the heroes
G
"God save Ireland," said they all
C F C
Whether on the scaffold high or the battlefield we die
G C
Oh, what matter when for Erin dear we fall?