Tune: O Tannenbaum / Oh Christmas Tree; new lyrics by James Connolly, 1907 - From the album, Songs of Freedom: James Connolly Songs Of Freedom Band, 2013
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Lyrics:
The people’s flag is deepest red;
It shrouded oft our martyred dead;
And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold,
Their heart’s blood dyed in every fold.
Then raise the scarlet standard high;
Beneath its folds, we’ll live and die;
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer,
We’ll keep the red flag flying here.
It waved above our infant might,
When all ahead seemed dark as night;
It witnessed many a deed and vow;
We mustn’t change its color now.
Then raise the scarlet standard high;
Beneath its folds, we’ll live and die;
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer,
We’ll keep the red flag flying here.
It well recalls the triumphs past;
It gives the hope of peace at last;
The banner bright, the symbol plain,
Of human right and human gain.
Then raise the scarlet banner high;
Beneath its folds we’ll live and die;
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer,
We’ll keep the red flag flying here.
It suits today the meek and base,
Whose minds are fixed on pelf and place,
To cringe beneath the rich man’s frown,
And haul that sacred emblem down.
Then raise the scarlet standard high;
Beneath its folds, we’ll live and die;
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer,
We’ll keep the red flag flying here.
With heads uncovered, swear we all,
To bear it onward till we fall;
Come dungeons dark or gallows grim,
This song shall be our parting hymn.
Then raise the scarlet standard high;
Beneath its folds, we’ll live and die;
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer,
We’ll keep the red flag flying here.