“Wrap the Green Flag Round Me, Boys”
Description
The dying soldier requestes, "Wrap the green flag 'round me, boys To die were far more sweet With Ireland's noble emblem, boys, to be my winding sheet." He wishes he had lived to see Irish victory, but promises his spirit will be near the flag
Notes
Connected by Galvin with the Irish Civil War of 1922-1923 (for which see "The Irish Free State") -- though in fact the song could apply as well to the 1916 rebellion, or even to earlier revolts. Indeed, in some ways, earlier revolts would make more sense; by the time of the Civil War, Ireland was turning to the tricolor green/white/orange flag. - RBW
References
- PGalvin, pp. 75-76, "Wrap the Green Flag Round Me, Boys" (1 text, 1 tune)
- BI, PGa075