Luke Kelly – God Save Ireland lyrics

"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 !

High upon the gallows tree swung the noble-hearted Three
By the vengeful tyrant stricken 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

"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 !

(Verse Not In the Luke Kelly Collection)
Girt around with cruel foes, still their courage proudly rose
For they thought of hearts that loved them for and near
Of the millions true and brave o'er the ocean's swelling wave
And the friends in holy Ireland ever dear

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

"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 !

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

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