Oh, father why are you so sad
On this bright easter morn'
When irish men are proud and glad
Of the land that they were born?
Oh, son, i see in mem'ries few
Of far off distant days
When being just a lad like you
I joined the ira.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A ghra mo chroi, i long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
From hills and farms a call to arms
Was heard by one and all.
And from the glen came brave young men
To answer ireland's call.
?t wasn't long ago we faced a foe,
The old brigade and me,
And by my side they fought and died
That ireland might be free.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A ghra mo chroi, i long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
And now, my boy, i've told you why
On easter morn' i sigh,
For i recall my comrades all
And dark old days gone by.
I think of men who fought in glen
With rifle and grenade.
May heaven keep the men who sleep
From the ranks of the old brigade.