Oh father why are you so sad on this bright Easter morn,

When Irish men are proud and glad of the land where they were born,

Oh son, I see in memories' view of far off distant days,

When being just a boy like you,I joined the I.R.A.(Provisional wing)

(chorus)

Where are the lads who stood with me when history was made,

Oh Gra Mo Criodh, I long to see, the boys of the old brigade.


From hills and farms the call to arms was heard by one and all,

And from the glen came brave young men to answer Ireland's call.

Was long ago we faced the foe the old brigade and me

And by my side they fought and died that Ireland might be free.

(repeat chorus)


And now my boy I've told you why on Easter morn I sigh,

For I recall my comrades all of dark old days gone by,

I think of men who fought in the glens with rifles and grenade.

May heaven keep the men who sleep, from the ranks of the old brigade.

(repeat chorus)