Boys that Wore the Green

Boys that Wore the Green By William Woodburn

On the twenty-first of July, beneath the burning sun.McDowell met the Southern troops in battle, at Bull Run;Above the Union vanguard, was proudly dancing seen,Beside the starry banner, old Erin's flag of green.

Colonel Corcoran led the Sixty-ninth on that eventful day,I wish the Prince of Wales were there to see him in the fray;His charge upon the batteries was a most glorious scene,With gallant New York firemen, and the boys that wore the green.In the hottest of the fire there rode along the lineA captain of a Zouave band, crying, "Now, boys, is your time;"Ah! who is he so proudly rides, with bold and dauntless mien?'Tis Thomas Francis Meagher, of Erin's isle of green!

The colors of the Sixty-ninth, I say it without shame,Were taken in the struggle to swell the victor's fame;But Farnham's dashing Zouaves, that run with the machine,Retook them in a moment, with the boys that wore the green!

Being overpowered by numbers, our troops were forced to flee,The Southern black horse cavalry on them charged furiously;But in that hour of peril, the flying mass to screen,Stood the gallant New York firemen, with the boys that wore the green.

Oh, the boys of the Sixty-ninth, they are a gallant band,Bolder never drew a sword for their adopted land;Amongst the fallen heroes, a braver had not been,Than you lamented Haggerty, of Erin's isle of green.Farewell, my gallant countrymen, who fell that fatal day,Farewell, ye noble firemen, now mouldering in the clay;Whilst blooms the leafy shamrock, whilst runs the old machine,Your deeds will live bold Red Shirts, and Boys that Wore the Green!