200,000

Orangemen must know the reason why

When the reward for loyal deeds in obloquy and scorn,
And men in power treat us as slaves, who have been freemen born,
When faith and freedom are assailed, for which true men would die,
Two hundred thousand Orangemen must know the reason why.

Should justice to oppression yield, and self-defence be crime,
And force deprive us of the rights blood-won in olden time,
Should falsehood, fraud, and perjury be lifted up on high,
Two hundred thousand Orangemen must know the reason why.

If Bills of Rights, and Statute Laws, are to be trampled down,
And if the Pope should be allowed to share the British Crown,
If glorious deeds and memories in dust and shame shall lie,
Two hundred thousand Orangemen must know the reason why.

Oh! if the noble martyr's blood for us was shed in vain,
And Rome her power in these free Isles, through traitors, should regain,
If her black flag exultingly o'er freemen's heads shall fly,
Two hundred thousand Orangemen must know the reason why.

If hearth, and home, and fatherland, be placed beneath the sway,
Of that false, alien Church, whose joy has been to burn the slay,
If justice, truth, and righteousness be banished for a lie,
Two hundred thousand Orangemen must know the reason why.

If chains for freedom shall be forged, if Englands throne must fall.
If any part of our loved Isles the Pope shall have in thrall,
If we must wear the priestly yoke, with bent neck and sunken eye,
Two hundred thousand Orangemen must the reason why.

If we must live mean-hearted slaves, or, as brave Briton's die,
Let your bright banner once again wave in the azure sky.
And "put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry" -
Two hundred thousand Orangemen WILL know the reason why.

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Thanks to the volunteers

I return to my home and my heart turned to stone,
As i visit where i spent my days,
My people now as they walk behind their lines,
Are attacked by the I.R.A,
For they work from dawn and they're all british born,
And proud to be Ulster through and through,
And the land where they live it was not freely give,
But was bought by the sweat of their brow.

Now the rebels from over the border they came,
And they tell them this lans is not theirs to own,
They say they must go but to where i don't know,
For Ulster was always their home,
They were shot and bombed but still carry on,
Through their suffering's gone on for years,
For their freedom was boght when their grandfathers fought,
Long ago with the volunteers,

(And the land where they lived it was not freely given)
(But was fought for by those brave volunteers)

I'm home to stay i will fight the I.R.A,
With the ranks of Y.C.V,
To make Ulster free from all tyranny,
In the land where i was born,
For the battle's not won till all Ulster's freedom's done,
And her people they live no more in tears,
But until that day we can only pray,
And give thanks to those volunteers,
But until that day we can only pray,
And give thanks to those volunteers.

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The 36th

Through cloud and mist that early morn,
1916 when they set off to the Somme,
Only the laughter and the cheers,
Who could notice all the doubts and tears of fear?
But brave men all they sailed away,
Though death lashed back from that battlefield,
Yet through their soul their not afraid
To fight with comrades of the 36th brigade.

What of the men who fought and died,
And followed Ulster?s flag from Theipval wood with pride,
And lift their heads and say with pride,
I fought with Ulster men on Flanders field that day.
Now written down in history,
Tells of the sacrifice they made for liberty,
And with their comrades they are laid
All the men of the 36th brigade.

Lay down their lives for their king and country,
The choice of freedom their reward for bravery,
And they were told that all Ulster men would be
Forever part of this land they fought to free
And all these promises were made
To the men of the 36th brigade.

And from the graveyard all the slain,
They once again reach out and played with Ulster men,
Don?t let these men have died in vain
This land is British and this right you should maintain.
So lift your glasses to the men who fought back then
And to the men who will defend this land again
And when all is said and done
Heres to Ulster and the 36th brigade.

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The Apprentice Boys of Derry

Let me tell you all the story,
Of fame and gallantry,
How the 'Prentice Boys of Derry,
They went down in history,
They were only thirteen Derry lads,
And William was their man,
And as King James laid Derry siege,
From the Boys these orders ran.

Place King Williams Orange standard above the city walls,
And close the gates of Derry cried the thirteen 'Prentice Boys,
Till King Williams sword of freedom brings us victory one and all,
We'll hold the gates of Derry cried the thirteen 'Prentice Boys.

So come lift your glasses rightly,
And you'll raise a toast with me,
To every loyal Ulsterman who has fought to keep her free,
To those gallant thirteen Derry lads, And sacred memory,
Come charge your glasses yet again,
This chorus sing with me.

Place King Williams Orange standard above the city walls,
And close the gates of Derry cried the thirteen 'Prentice Boys,
Till King Williams sword of freedom brings us victory one and all,
We will hold the gates of Derry cried the thirteen 'Prentice Boys.
Yes we'll hold the gates of Derry cried the thirteen Apprentice Boy

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The Aughalee Heroes

You Protestants of Ireland,
Give ear to these lines I write down,
Concerning these Aughalee heroes
That marched through sweet Portadown.

It being on the 12th day of July,
Our music so sweetly did play,
And The Protestant Boys and Boyne Water
Were the tunes we played going away.

Like the sons of King William we marched,
Till at length Lurgan town we did view,
Where the Church it was decorated
With Orange, Purple, and Blue.

Round its spires our colours were flying;
Small gun's like cannons did roar -
Long life to these Aughalee heroes!
For they are the boys we adore.

Captain Black, like a bold Orange hero,
Came riding down on his grey steed,
And he asked us what number we carried,
And where did we mean to proceed.

We told him from the County of Antrim -
Our number was six-thirty-two;
We are the bold Aughalee heroes,
That will soon make the rebels subdue.

We took off our hats to salute him,
So boldy he bade us march on;
And he rode like a hero before us,
Till we came to the banks of the Bann.

And when we arrived safe in Aughalee,
The brandy did flow like the Rhine -
Long life to these Aughalee heroes,
For they are the boys crossed the Boyne.

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The Ballad of Drumcree

My name is Samuel Corrigan, my friends all call me Sam
If you'll buy a man a drink then you can too,
I've got a tale of much importance in the history of our land,
So grab yourself a seat, I'll tell it through.

Well I'm proud to be an Orangeman just like my father was
Upholding the traditions of our creed,
There's many like us in the land that's loyal to the cause,
Though some would call it bigotry and greed.

T'was the 7th of July, the year was 1996.
When we set ourselves to march through old Drumcree,
But soon we found our way was blocked by police with riot sticks.
In this country of the pious and the free.

Now it was our right to march that way,
we've done for many years,
And we swore that we would never compromise.
And we faced them there five days and nights,
hate ringing in our ears,
But violence, fear and hate were our allies.

Chorus.

Free men we have always been and free men we will stay.
So stand you boys aside and let us through.
We've marched in our tradition and it's always been our way,
And we're free to do just what it tells us to.

The Twelfth it was approaching and the country lived in fear,
And held its breath to see what we would do.
Then the word came through from Annisley we'd waited there to hear,
"Bring down the barricades and let them through!"

"Your pipes and whistles must stay silent",
That was Annisley's demand.
But still our message rang out true and real.
We have the Right to the Remembrance of the wars that split our land,
And no-one has the right to let it heal.

Chorus.

Meanwhile down at Stormont all our leaders sat and talked,
They were trying to bring peace at any cost.
But surely you can see my friend the reason that we walk,
We don't want peace if our Traditions will be lost.

Well victory was won that day, let there be no mistake.
Though some would say the peace was jeapordised.
Our land may be condemned to years of killing and of pain,
But through them all we'll march with heads held high.

Chorus.

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The Ballad of Garvagh

The day before the July Fair
The Ribbon-men they did prepare
For three miles round to wreck and tear
And burn the town of Garvagh.

The Tory whistle loud and shrill
We heard it o'er the high Mourne Hill
Fall on brave boys we'll slay and kill
The Protestants in Garvagh.

The day came on they did repair
In multitudes to Garvagh Fair
Some travelled thirty miles and more
To burn the town of Garvagh.

They all appeared in greatest haste
White handkerchiefts tied around their waists
But their jackets we did soundly baste
That July Fair in Garvagh.

To Coleraine straightaway we went
For aid but none to us they sent
This bloody crew all to prevent
From their design on Garvagh.

To Provinces then we quick applied
For aid which he soon us denied
Saying: "Longest stands the toughest hide
I'll find no aid for Garvagh."

The Protestants and Orangemen
Like brothers did assemble then
To keep the town was their design
Or die like men in Garvagh.

We fired blank shots of no avail
Then Orange balls they flew like hail
While ribbon-men soon turned their tail
With deadly wounds from Garvagh.

Then Captain Douay cried: "Brave boys,
Maintain your Cause and fear no noise
We'll massacre these Orange boys
And burn the town of Garvagh.

He had not turned himself well round
Till he received a deadly wound
His heels went up his head went down
At the third tree in Garvagh.

We gave the word to clear the street
While numbers flew like hunted sheep
When Protestants did Papists meet
At Davidsons in Garvagh.

O then brave boys if you had seen
'Twas the best man through Ballinameen
While Orange boys pursued then keen
And cleared the town of Garvagh.

But mark what followed this affray
They thought to swear our lives away
To jail we went without delay
We had no guards from Garvagh.

They horrid oaths against us swore
Such swearing you ne'er heard before
McCluskey swore there hours or more
Against the boys of Garvagh.

The Judge then he would us condemn
Had it not been for our jurymen
Our grateful thanks is due to them
For they cleared the boys of Garvagh.

All thanks and praise we'll tender still
To Mr. Price and brave George Hill
The Beresford befriend us still
For they cleared the boys of Garvagh.

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The Band Played

When I was a young man I carried my pack
And I lived the free life of the rover
From the Murray's green basin to the dusty outback
I waltzed my Matilda all over
Then in nineteen-fifteen my country said, Son
It's time to stop rambling, there's work to be done
So they gave me a bayonet and gave me a gun
And they sent me away to the war

And the band played Waltzing Matilda
As the ship pulled away from the quay
Amidst all the cheers, the flag-waving and tears
We sailed off to Gallipoli

And how well I remember that terrible day
Our blood stained the sand and the water
And how in that hell that they called Suvla Bay
We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter
Johnny Turk he was ready, he'd primed himself well
He chased us with bullets and rained us with shell
And in five minutes flat he'd blown us all to hell
Nearly blew us right back to Australia

But the band played Waltzing Matilda
As we stopped to bury our slain
We buried ours, and the Turks buried theirs
Then we started all over again

Now those that were left well we tried to survive
In that mad world of blood, death and fire
And for ten weary weeks I kept myself alive
While around me the corpses piled higher
Then a big Turkish shell knocked me arse over head
And when I woke up in my hospital bed
I saw what it had done and I wished I was dead
Never knew there was worse things than dying

For I'll go no more waltzing Matilda
All around the green bush far and near
To hump tent and pegs a man needs both legs
No more waltzing Matilda for me

So they collected the cripples, the wounded and maimed
And they shipped us back home to Australia
The legless, the armless, the blind, and insane
Those proud wounded heroes of Suvla
And as our ship pulled into Circular Quay
I looked at the place where my legs used to be
Thank Christ there was no one there waiting for me
To grieve, to mourn and to pity

And the band played Waltzing Matilda
As they carried us down the gangway
But nobody cheered, they just stood and stared
Then they turned all their faces away

And now every April I sit on my porch
And I watch the parade pass before me
I watch my old comrades, how proudly they march
Renewing all dreams and past glories
And the old men march slowly, all bent, stiff and sore
The tired old men from a forgotten war
And the young people ask, What are they marching for
And I ask myself the same question

And the band plays Waltzing Matilda
And the old men answer the call
Year by year their numbers get fewer
Some day no one will march there at all

Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me
Now their ghosts can be heard
As they pass by the billabong
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me

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The Battle of the Boyne

A kingly host upon a stream,
a monarch camped around
Its southern upland far and wide
their white pavilions crowned;
Not long ago that sky unclouded showed,
nor beneath the ray,
That gentle stream in silver flowed
to meet the new-born day.

Peals the loud gun-its thunders boom
the echoing vales along
While curtained in its sulfurous boom
moves on the gallant thrown.
And Foot and Horse in mingled mass,
regardless all of life,
With furious ardor onward pass
to join the deadly strife.

Not strange that with such ardent flame
each glowing heart beats high,
Their battle-word was William's name
and Death and Liberty!
Then Ouldbridge, then they peaceful bowers
with sounds unwonted rang,
And Tredagh, mid thy distant towers,
was heard the mighty clang.

The silver stream is crimsoned wide
and clogged with many a corpse,
As floating down its gentle tide
co- mingled man and horse;
Now fiercer grows the battle's rage,
the guarded stream is crossed,
And furious, hand-to-hand,
engage each bold contending host.

He falls-the veteran hero falls,
renowned along the Rhine-
And he whose name, while Derry s walls
endure shall brightly shine;
Oh! would to heaven that churchman bold,
his arms with triumph blest,
The soldier spirit had controlled
that fired his pious breast.

And he, the chief of yonder brave
and persecuted band,
Who foremost rushed amid the wave
and gained the hostile strand,
He bleeds, brave Caillemonte-he bleeds
-tis closed, his bright career,
Yet still that band to glorious deeds
his dying accents cheer,

And now that well-contested strand
successive columns gain,
While backward James yielding band
are borne across the plain;
In vain the sword green Erin draws,
and life away doth fling-
Oh! worthy of a better cause
and of a bolder king.

In vain thy bearing bold is shown
upon that blood-stained ground;
Thy towering hopes are overthrown,
thy choicest fall around;
Nor, shamed abandon thou the fray,
nor blush though conquered there;
A power against thee fights today
no mortal arm may dare.

Hurrah! Hurrah! For Liberty,
for her sword we draw,
And dared the battle while on high
our Orange banner flew.
Woe worth the hour- worth the state,
when men shall cease to join
Wit grateful hearts to celebrate
the glories of the Boyne!

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The Backman's dream, A.D 1795

One night I thought a vision brought,
Me to a spacious plain,
Whereon its centre stood a mount,
Whose top I wished to gain;
Orange, blue, and purple, too,
Were given me to wear,
And for to see the mystery
They did me thus prepare.

My guide a pack placed on my back -
With pillars of an arch -
A staff and scrip placed in my hand,
And thus I on did march;
Through desert lands I travelled o'er
And the narrow road I trod,
Till something did obstruct my path
In the form of a toad.

So then I saw what did me awe,
Though wandering in a dream -
A flaming bush, though unconsumed,
Before me did remain;
And as I stood out of the wood
I heard a heavenly sound,
Which bade cast my shoes away,
For it was holy ground.

Two men I saw, with weapsons keen,
Which did me sore annoy -
Unto a pyramid I ran
That standing was hard by;
And as I climbed the narrow way,
A hand I there did see,
Which layed the lofty mountains
In the scale of equity.

Blue, gold, and black about my neck,
This apparition placed -
Into a chariot I was put,
Where we drove off in haste :
Twelve dazzling lights of beauty bright
Were brought to guide my way,
And as we drove thro' cypress shades
One of them did decay.

Near to a mount I saw a fount
Of living water flow :
I being dry, they did reply,
To drink you there may go;
The mystic cup I then took up,
And drank a health to all
That were born free and kept their knee
From bowing unto Baal.

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The Blackman's making song

One night I left my native home, to my Lodgeroom I went,
My Brethren all were sitting there, and seemed to be content.
Soon one request I asked of them, if they would grant to me,
Another step along the road that leads to liberty.

When I began the mount to climb - Mount Horeb was its name -
I saw a bush was burning, just in a mighty flame;
When I beheld the mighty blaze, I knew not what to say,
I then went to Mount Carmel, like old prophets, for to pray.

And when my prayers were ended, out of the East did rise,
A little cloud like a man's hand, which did me much suprise.
The next demand was made to me, my chariot to prepare.
With speed I drove along the way like eagles in the air.

Then went I to Golgotha - went to drink a health to all,
The toast went round, my name was found, Sirs, Brethren we are all.
Then straight to Jericho I went, so Joshua gave command,
It was my business when there to view the promised land.

And soon the King sent after me, all for to take my life,
And a woman did preserve me, that was neither maid nor wife.
'Twas out of a window, with a scarlet thread let down,
And went straight unto a garden, and there my Brethren found.

Now to conclude and finish, keep Joesph in your mind,
Through all your weary travels you left him not behind;
I'm sure he was a man of God, he interpreted the King's dream.
I wish you all true Brethren ever steady to remain.

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The Boyne Water

July the first in old bridge town
There was a grievous battle
Where many a man lay on the ground
By the cannons that did rattle
King James he pitched his tents between
The lines for to retire
But King William threw his bomb balls in
And set them all on fire

Thereat enraged they vowed revenge
Upon King William's forces
And oft cry vehemently
That they would stop courses
A bullet from the Irish came
Which grazed King William's shoulder
They thought his Majesty was slain
But he said "Pray, no closer"

Then Duke Schomberg, with friendly care
His King would often caution
To shun the spot where bullets hot
Retained their rapid motion
But William said "He don't deserve
The name of Faith's defender
That would not venture life and limb
To make a foe surrender"

When we the Boyne began to cross
The enemy they defended
But few of our brave men were lost
So stoutly we defended
The horse was first that did march o'er
The foot soon followed after
But brave Duke Schomberg was no more
By venturing o'er the water

When valiant Schomberg he was slain
King William he accosted
His warlike men for to march on
And he would be the foremost
"Brave boys", he said, "be not dismayed
For losing one commander
For God will be our King this day
And I'll be the General under"

Then stoutly we the Boyne did cross
To give our foes in battle
Our cannon to our foes great cost
Like thundering claps did rattle
In majestic mein our prince rode o'er
His men soon followed after
With blow and shout put the foes to rout
The day we crossed the water

The Protestants of Drogheda
Have reason to be thankful
That they were not to bondage brought
They being but a handful
First to the Tholsel they were brought
And tried at the Millmount after
But brave King William set them free
By venturing o'er the water

The cunning French near to Dunleek
Had taken up quarters
And fenced themselves on every side
Awaiting for new orders
But in the dead time of night
They set the fields on fire
And long before the morning light
To Dublin they retired

Then said King William to his men
After the French had departed
"I'm glad", he said, "that none of ye
Seemed to be chicken hearted
So sheathe your swords and rest a while
In time we'll follow after"
Those words he uttered with a smile
The day he crossed the water

Come let us all with heart and voice
Applaud our Faith's defender
Who at the Boyne his valour showed
And made his foes surrender
To God above the praise we'll give
Both now and ever after
And bless the glorious memory
Of King William that crossed the Boyne water.

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The Boys of Sandy Row

Come all ye loyal Orangemen and in full chorus join,
Think on the deeds of William and his conquest at the Boyne,
And gratefully commemorate that ever glorious day
That crown'd the mighty hero King and ended Popish sway.

Then band together firmly and popery overthrow
Like to your gallant brethren the Boys of Sandy Row.

Likewise yeze Presbyterians that for the truth contend
Come forward now and manfully your chartered rights defend
From fenians and from paypishes that fiercely youse assail
And hope throughout Green Erin's Isle to carry a repeal.

Then band together firmly and popery overthrow
Like to your gallant brethren the Boys of Sandy Row.

Th' intriguing paypishes surround this loyal and ancient town
They tried you know not long ago to pull the Bible down
And to destroy it root and branch they often have combined
But from Sandy Row we made them fly like chaff before the wind.

Then band together firmly and popery overthrow
Like to your gallant brethren the Boys of Sandy Row.

To brave and gallant Johnston who'd always do and dare
Now let a bumper toast go round with honours from the chair
The Boyne we never will forget nor Derry Walls renowned
And should like days again return we'll be at our posts to be found.

Then band together firmly and popery overthrow
Like to your gallant brethren the Boys of Sandy Row.

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The Crimson Flag of Derry

A band of youthful heroes,
Within our Maiden Walls,
Once dar'd a tyrant?s mandates,
As history recalls,
Despising threats and shackles,
That would have seal'd their woes,
They thundered forth defiance
Against insulting foes.

Huzza, then, for the Crimson Flag,
That floated brisk and gay!
And wav'd defiance to the foes
Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!

A monarch once in martial mood
Our walls in state approach'd
Demanding entrance but he found
His presence had encroach'd,
A burst repugnant to his ears
Saluted from within,
He wheel'd about, and fled through fear,
In spite of "shame or sin."

Huzza, then, for the Crimson Flag,
That floated brisk and gay!
And wav'd defiance to the foes
Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!

Away went James with whip and spur,
And foremost drove his steed,
Nor look'd behind but wistfully
Mountgavelin sought with speed,
To Dublin next he sped his way,
And sorely did he rue,
To Derry e'er he set his face,
Its "rebels to subdue."

Huzza, then, for the Crimson Flag,
That floated brisk and gay!
And wav'd defiance to the foes
Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!

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The Famine's Over

I often wonder where they would have been
If we hadn't have taken them in
Fed them and washed them
Thousands in Glasgow alone
From Ireland they came
Brought us nothing but trouble and shame
Well the famine is over
Why don't they go home?

Now Athenry Mike was a thief
And Large John he was fully briefed
And that wee traitor from Castlemilk
Turned his back on his own
They've all their Papists in Rome
They have U2 and Bono
Well the famine is over
Why don't they go home?

"Ahh, the green fields of Ireland
The Emerald Isle
The land the Tim’s love so much
The potatoes are plentiful there now, you know
You can roast them
You can cream them
You can stick them up your arse, for all I care
For if you love the land so much
Why don’t you go home?"

Now they raped and fondled their kids
That's what those perverts from the darkside did
And they swept it under the carpet
and Large John he hid
Their evils seeds have been sown
Cause they're not of our own
Well the famine is over
Why don't you go home?

Now Timmy don't take it from me
Cause if you know your history
You've persecuted thousands of people
In Ireland alone
You turned on the lights
Fuelled U boats by night
That's how you repay us
It's time to go home.

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The Fields of Ulster

Oh Father, Dear Father, why are all the fields so green?
Oh no my son! oh no my son it's not the way it seems!
In our dear land from end to end, Though it sometimes seldom shows,
In every field of Ulster soil, the Orange Lily grows.

The fields of Ulster, The fields of Ulster,
The good lord ploughs and sows,
The fields of Ulster, The fields of Ulster,
Where the Orange Lily grows.

That sacred flower in darkest hour's, the emblem of our faith,
T'was borne across the centuries by Ulster soldiers brave,
It's petals spreading far and wide until the whole world knows,
In every field of Ulster soil the Orange Lily grows.

The fields of Ulster, The fields of Ulster,
The good lord ploughs and sows,
The fields of Ulster, The fields of Ulster,
Where the Orange Lily grows.

Oh Father, Dear Father take heart and be of cheer,
I'm off to join that gallant band the Ulster Volunteers,
For as long as Derry's walls still stand and the River Boyne still flows,
In every fied of Ulster soil the Orange Lily grows.

The fields of Ulster, The fields of Ulster,
The good lord ploughs and sows,
The fields of Ulster, The fields of Ulster,
Where the Orange Lily grows,
Where the Orange Lily grows.

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The Hills of Tandradee

O listen a while my countrymen and hear my latest news.
Although my song is sorrowful I hope you'll me excuse
I left my peaceful residence a foreign land to see,
I said goodbye to Ballylisk likewise to Tandragee.

Brave stalwart men around me stood, each comrade kind and true,
And as I clasped each well known hand, to bid my last adieu.
I says my fellow countrymen, I hope you'll soon be free
And raise the Orange flag proudly o'er the hills of Tandragee.

No more among the Sycamore I'll hear the blackbird sing
No more to me the brown Cuckoo will welcome back the spring
No more I'll see your fertile fields and weeping willow tree
Nor raise the Orange flag proudly o'er the hills of Tandragee.

God bless you dear old County Armagh my own dear native land.
In dreams I often see your hills and lovely orchard grand,
And though three thousand miles do lie between yon hills and me,
You'll raise the Orange flag proudly o'er the hills of Tandragee.

May peace and plenty reign supreme upon Loch Erne's shore
May discord live forever in Ulster's homes no more
And may the time soon come around when I return to thee
Once more to raise the Orange flag proudly o'er the hills of Tandragee.

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The Ibrox Disaster

New Years Bells had been ringing,
All of Scotland was singing,
Sure the old year had died,
And the new one had been born.
As the news of disaster
From Ibrox came spreading,
The news that would cause
A whole nation to mourn

Two great goals had been scored,
In the last dying moments.
Jimmy Johnstone for Celtic,
And for Rangers’ Colin Stein.
Their supporters all cheered them,
With voices of thunder,
Not knowing what waited on staircase 13

66 people died there,
Some in flower of their manhood,
When the fences gave way
And the barriers they bent,
Seasoned Glasgow policemen with their faces all tearstained,
With brave efforts, endeavoured far worse to prevent.

All of Glasgow enjoined them,
For the first time in history.
In the Glasgow cathedral no Billy’s, no Dan’s
But the Old Firm united to pray for their victims,
Of a tragedy set in the memory of man.

New Year Bells had been ringing,
All of Scotland was singing,
Sure the old year had died,
And the new one had been born.
As the news of disaster
From Ibrox came spreading,
The news that would cause
A whole nation to mourn.

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The land of No Surrender

Wont you gather round me lads and listen to your dad,
For now my life is but a dying ember,
But bejoves before I go,
I want you all to know,
That Ulster is the land of No Surrender.

From the Battle of the Boyne,
To the carnage of the Somme,
We gave our enemies something to remember,
So bejoves before I go,
I want you all to know,
That Ulster is the land of No Surrender.

Wont you gather round me girls and listen if you will,
And tell your children always to remember,
That your daddy taught you so,
And grandad ought to know,
That Ulster is the land of No Surrender.

From the Battle of the Boyne,
To the carnage of the Somme,
We gave our enemies something to remember,
So bejoves before I go,
I want you all to know,
That Ulster is the land of No Surrender.

Wont you clasp my hand my dear,
And my final words you'll hear,
You've always been a friend, so kind and tender,
Place your lips against my brow and hear my final vow,
That Ulster is the land of No Surrender.

From the Battle of the Boyne,
To the carnage of the Somme,
We gave our enemies something to remember,
So bejoves before I go,
I want you all to know,
That Ulster is the land of No Surrender.

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The Landing at Torbay

It was when England's glorious sun in sixteen eighty-eight,
Was overcast with treason's cloud, and Popery stood elate,
That up arose her Protestants, the peasant and the peer,
And vowed the chain of perjured James that they would not deign to wear,
They sought them out a prudent chief to guide their ardent zeal,
To lead them on that victory might bless their flashing steel,
And who so fit to guide that host in all its bright array,
As William, Prince of Orange, ere he landed at Torbay.

Then up arose the mighty chief and left his native shore,
And rode upon the stormy waves our freedoms to restore,
Upon his flag was blazon'd forth high fluttering o'er the main,
That our Religion and our Laws he ever would maintain,
'Twas then in gallant style he stood upon the vessel's prow,
With victory on his flashing sword and wisdom on his brow,
And tens of thousands greeted him on upon his day,
When our glorious Orange chief first landed at Torbay.

Come Brethren of the Orange bond, a bond ne'er to be riven,
When e'er we give great William's name, a bumper must be given,
For it you'd fire a feu-de-joie, to him who victory won,
Come prime and load, and see you give a good charge to your gun,
The eloquence of bumpers full, there's nothing can surpass,
There's nought expresses kindred souls, like friendship's social glass,
And thus we give our song and toast with three times three, huzza,
The memory of King William and his landing at Torbay.

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The Marksman

Come all ye young fellows and marksmen also,
Give ear to this ditty concerning my woe,
Till you hear what befell me in the year '45 -
A lesson I learned, boys, I'll mind while alive.

I'd been a young fellow, and stout, roving blade,
When I first fell in love with this charming young maid;
Her cheeks red as roses decked with morning dew,
And the colours she wore, boys, were Orange and Blue.

To this charming young creature I made myself known,
I asked her the way which led to her home;
She told me her index it came from above,
And the whole of her courtship was garnished with love.

For her loving brethren I then did inquire,
To find out her tribe 'twas my chiefest desire;
She told me by five and seven also,
But the two-and-a-half she would never let go.

To my great astonishment some curtain she drew,
They being entwined with the Purple and Blue;
Two cubits and a half long, likewise the same broad,
The pot that held manna, likewise Aaron's rod.

She showed me a ladder by which I could go
All over the mountains and far beyond woe;
Some numbering seven steps, but the three would do me -
If you want to know the secret, go search and you'll see.

To this lovely young creature I made a long bow,
I kissed her and caressed her, but I won't tell you how;
She gave me a love-token, which I wear in my breast,
And that I'll remember till I go to my rest.

So come all you young fellows, I wish you good cheer!
You can bring in your sweethearts and set them down here,
You can kiss them and court them and treat them quite free,
But see if yours tells you what my love told me.

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The Murder of McBriars

You noble sons of William, whose principles are pure,
Be on your guard both day and night, and keep yourselves secure,
Be on your guard both day and night, attend to what I say,
For midnight murderers lie in wait, your lives to take away.

It was on the night of Tuesday, in the month of April,
He went into a tavern, some hours to beguile,
When a true and faithful comrade, belonging to the cause,
Who said that he would ne'er desert King William's name or laws.

He was a master of our band, of honour and great fame,
He was master of an Orange Lodge, McBriars was his name,
By Popish schemes he has been brought to an untimely grave,
When no kind Protestant was near, his precious life to save.

The whiskey it was in his head, no harm was in his mind,
He happened for to tell too loud the way his heart was inclined,
And for the same three villians swore, and kept their promise good,
To was their hands, before they sleep, that night in Orange blood.

He little thought when he left home upon that fatal morn,
His children three would orphans be before he would return,
One of his comrades said to him, come home and sleep with me,
O no! he kindly answered him, my wife does wait for me.

He was an old and feeble man, not able to resist,
And for the same three villians they heard his dying moans,
When they unto a lonely place where none could hear his cry,
With his heart's blood these murderers the very stones did dye.

Hard and brutal was their hearts who done this wicked deed,
Because that he would not agree to their vile Popish creed,
But hard and wicked was her heart that on him shut the door,
When for his children's sake that night for mercy he implored.

The rain that night in torrents fell, but oh! it fell in vain,
The blood of the poor innocent next morning did remain,
It was not black, like rebels' blood; it was both clear and bright,
Which showed McBriars did belong unto the cause that's right.

To Newtownbreda with sore hearts his bleeding corpse they bore,
Attended by trusty few that Orange colours wore,
It would have made an Indian's tears in torrents down to flow,
For to see his orphans weeping at their fathers overthrow.

The Sunday of his funeral our brave Orangemen
Assembled together, in numbers thousands ten,
And Papists at this glorious sight did quake with fear and dread,
To see our Orangemen march that day with nobles at their head.

Now to conclude and finish, I'll end as I began,
Be on your guard both day and night, and murdering Papists shun,
They never would consent to meet us man to man,
But as they servered McBriars they would serve each Orangeman.

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The Old Orange Tree

When William came to England, the king of it to be,
He brought a plant along with him of the Old Orange tree,
He planted it near London, so pleasant 'twas to see,
When a few branches there sprung up and frighten'd Popery.
So let us join both heart and hand, and lovingly agree,
For we're loyal branches of the old Orange tree.

'Twas on the walls of Derry, where the Orangemen did parade,
To fight King James and all his men, they never were afraid,
And with sons of Popery they never more will join -
We beat them back from Drogheda - from Drogheda - and the Boyne.

When William went to Ireland, the Protestants to join,
He took the plant along with him, and placed it in the Boyne,
And with his troops, courageously, he fought them one to three -
King James and his men were sore afraid when they saw the Orange tree.

The seed of this old Orange tree got scatter'd up and down,
Till a few branches there sprung up, enough to rule a town,
It grew in summer season - Oh! pleasant 'twas to see -
The winter season it came on and cropp'd our Orange tree.

The winter season it is o'er, the weathers fine and clear -
Our Orange tree will flourish in the spring time of the year,
Our Orange tree will flourish, for the root is yet alive,
For where there is one branch dropp'd off, we have engrafted five.

Now to conclude and make an end, and finish up my song -
Here's health and peace, long life and rest to all true Orangemen,
And let us live in unity, and evermore agree,
And on the Twelfth day of July see fruit upon our tree.

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The Orange A B C

A song I am going to sing to you,
If you but listen unto me,
There is nothing curious in it, boys,
And that you will plainly see,
It is all about Six Verses
Of our Orange A, B, C.

Then it is judge for yourselves, boys,
And listen unto me,
We will turn the leaf once more, my boys,
And sing our Orange A, B, C.

A stands for Aughrim, where blood flows on the plains, and
B is for Boyne Water, there bones do still remain,
C stands for Culmore, where crossing it did fall, and
D I am sure you all know well's our maiden Derry Walls.

E is for Enniskillen, where nobly they did join, and
F is for these fathers who conquered at the Boyne,
G is for that great General that fought at our right hand,
H is for Hanover, from that land King William came.

I is for the Israelites that crossed over Jordan's streams, and
J stands for Joshua, our guide still remains,
K for Knox, Scotch Reformer, who for the truth did stand,
L stands for Luther, his doctrines we'll commend.

M stands for Moses, as he viewed the land,
N stands for Noah, who built the ark at God's command,
O stands for Orange, a colour you all have worn, and
P is for Purple, with which the ark was borne.

Q is for the Question you are asked at the door,
R is for the Road, my boys, some of you have trod before,
S is for the Secret you're sure there to find, and
T is for the Travels you will always bear in mind.

U stands for Unity, in which we all should join
V is for the great Victory we gained at the Boyne,
W stands for William, our famous commodore, and
X is my Last Letter, and you can ask for nothing more.

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The Orange and Blue

The red cloud of war over Europe
In rapine and carnage has burst,
And the fair classic plains of Italia
With the horrors of warfare are cursed.
But peace shall still shine o'er our nation,
If her sons to themselves but prove true!
While of loyalty's shrine the foundation,
Is reared on the Orange and Blue!
Is reared on the Orange and Blue!

The thrones of the continent tremble;
Revolution is yoking his car;
And despots their myriads assemble
To join in the horrors of war.
But based on the Firm Rock of Ages
Is built our allegiance so true,
And the hope of the brave sons of Erin,
Shall rest on the Orange and Blue.
Shall rest on the Orange and Blue.

Like a rotten old trunk of the forest,
The Papacy feels to its fall,
And the doom of the 'Son of Perdition'
With horror the world shall fall appal!
But the ark of our Faith shall be guided
The wild storm of anarchy through,
While o'erwhelmed are the foes who derided
The cause of the Orange and Blue.
The cause of the Orange and Blue.

In the days of our fathers, a deluge
Of rebellion the land did o'erflow,
And the course were it swept was denoted
By death, desolation, and woe,
But its torrent was stemmed by the purest
Of Erins brave children, though few,
And the first in their ranks, and the surest,
Were the wearers of Orange and Blue.
Were the wearers of Orange and Blue.

The demon of Popish Rebellion
Again would his orgies begin,
And slaves of a vile superstition
Would rival the sepoys in sin.
But the bold Orange sons of old Erin
The fight of the free shall renew,
And the cowardly traitors shall vanish,
At the sight of the Orange and Blue.
At the sight of the Orange and Blue.

All hail to our Grand Institution!
May its members in virtue increase,
May its numbers ne'er know diminution,
May it flourish in honour and peace.
May the old still the young generation
With its faith and its precepts imbue,
Till the whole of this Protestant nation
Shall be proud of the Orange and Blue.
Shall be proud of the Orange and Blue.

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The Orange Banner

Come! Shake forth the banner! Let Northern winds fan her!
She hath blazed over Erin three ages and more,
Through danger we'll hold her, the fewer the bolder,
As constant and true as our fathers before.

The bright Orange banner! The ensign of honour!
It waves o'er the head of true Protestants still,
Ho, Orangemen! Rally from the mountain and valley,
Around the old flagstaff on liberty's hill.

Through the "broad stone of honor" that flagstaff is founded,
Deep, deep, in the sure Rock of Ages below,
It stood when rebellion's wild temper resounded,
And shall stand, by God's grace, though again it should blow.

Then hoist the bright banner! The ensign of honour!
Let Northen winds fan her! Up, up and away!
To Papist and Faitour, to tyrant and traitor,
Shake forth the old flag of defiance, hurrah!

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The Orange flag of victory

The Orange flag of victory
Of Ireland's sons the boast
Shall ever be found waving free
Above our loyal host
The noblest flag true hearts that cheers
And daunts their enemies.
Is the flag that brav'd in darkest years
The battle and the breeze.

The rights of freemen to uphold
To break the Popish chain
High wav'd the Orange flag of old.
Where it shall wave again!
The Orangemen far off reveres
Our cause as still be seen,
The flag that brav'd in darkest years
The Battle and the breeze.

Let us unite, as did our sires
Their flag who bravely bore,
Thro' flood and storm, thro' smoke and fires
O'er homesteads stain'd with gore,
For we would fear no gun's nor spears,
But die, ere foes should seize
The Orange flag that brav'd for years
The battle and the breeze!

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The Orange Gathering song

From every hill and valley,
From every strath and glen,
Ho! rally, Northmen! rally,
Display your strength again:
Come, all ye that are true yet:
Come, gather quick and fast,
Hurrah! ye can renew yet
The glories of the past.
Rear, rear the flag! Strike, strike the drum!
In proud procession join,
Let cowards quail, while freemen hail,
The Battle of the Boyne.

'Tis now no time for dreaming,
No time to take repose,
When traitor men are scheming
To sell you to your foes,
Aye, truth and honour scorning,
Your freedom they would blast,
But read to them this warning,
The memory of the past
And rear the flag, and strike the drum,
In proud procession join.
Let traitors quail, while true men hail,
The Battle of the Boyne.

Fermanagh! ever ready,
The warder of our land,
And Cavan tried and steady,
Send forth your loyal band,
And Monaghan, stout-hearted,
In danger never last,
Up! show' tis not departed,
The spirit of the past.
And rear the flag and strike the drum!
In proud procession join.
Foemen! give place, ye know our race -
The victors of the Boyne.

From fair Tirowen's border,
All round to Donegal,
Come, ranking out in order -
Come gather one and all;
Ho! Derrymen! awaken,
Abroad your banner cast.
E'en now the day is breaking,
The weary night is past.
Ho! rear the flag! Ho! strike the drum,
In proud procession join,
So freemen ought, whose fathers fought
And conquered at the Boyne.

Armagh the call is sounding,
Send out thy every man.
Thy true hearts, Down, are bounding,
From Strangford to the Bann,
Antrim - Aye thou'rt true yet,
Rank out thy legion vast,
Alone thou couldst renew yet,
The glories of the past,
With flaunting flag and rolling drum,
In proud procession join.
No rabble ye, but yeomen free,
Like those who crossed the Boyne.

Fling out our glorious banner,
Make music's merry chime,
Let Northern breezes fan her,
As in the olden time.
And trust in God on high, boys,
Be faithful to the last.
The future will outvie, boys,
The glories of the past.
Rear, rear, the flag! Strike strike the drum!
In proud procession join,
Hurrah, hurrah, we hail this day,
The Battle of the Boyne.

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The Orange Institution

Come, let us meet in love and glee,
Ye Orange brethren, bold and free,
And toast in bumpers, 'three times three',
The Orange Institution.
May it again triumphant stand,
The shield of this our lovely land,
In spite of that malignant band,
Who hate our Constitution.

Think on the year of 'Ninety-eight',
When thousands rose against the State,
What did their sanguine hopes defeat?
The Orange Institution.
For in defence of Britain's Crown,
Our Orange yeoman of renown,
Put the insulting rebels down,
And saved our Constitution.

Soon as the Orange system spread,
The Popish persecution fled,
And disaffection hid her head,
Check'd by our Institution
Peace was restored to this fair Isle,
Secured by freedom's cheering smile,
Thus Orangemen, from traitors vile,
Preserved our Constitution.

To counteract by valour sound,
All hostile plots that might abound,
Brave Verner did most wisely found
The Orange Institution.
Erected on a basis sure,
To keep us and our rights secure,
And guard from foes of faith impure.
The Crown and Constitution.

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