At a cottage door one wintry night

As the snow lay on the ground

Stood a youthful Irish soldier boy

for the mountains he was bound.


His mother stood beside him and said

"You'll win my boy, don't fear."

And with loving arms around his waste

She tied his bandoleer.


"Goodbye, God bless you mother dear,

I hope your heart won't pain.

But pray to God your soldier boy,

Your son you'll see again.


And when I'm out on the firing line

It will be a source of joy

To know that you're the mother proud

Of an Irish soldier boy".


When the fighting it was over

And the flag of truce was raised

The leaders ordered the firing to cease

All Ireland stood amazed.


Some men came up to the cottage door

With a note from her pride and joy

Containing news in sad detail

Of her Irish soldier boy.


"Goodbye, God bless you mother dear

I'm dying a death so grand.

From wounds received in fighting

Trying to free my native land.


And when we meet in heaven above

In the land beyond the sky

You'll always be in the company

Of your Irish soldier boy."