Take It Down from the Mast
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Take it Down from the Mast is an Irish Republican song written by Dominic Behan.
The flag in question is the Irish tricolour, which the song tells supporters of the of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the Irish Free State to take down, as it is the flag of the Irish Republic, which they claim the "Free Staters" betrayed. The fourth verse references specific incidents in the Civil War, when Republicans were executed by the Free State. The line "you have murdered our brave Liam and Rory, you have slaughtered young Richard and Joe" refers to the execution of Rory O'Connor (Irish republican), Liam Mellows, Richard Barret and Joe McKelvey on December 8 1922. (See also Executions during the Irish Civil War).
Those opposed to the treaty considered the Free Staters as traitors to the Republican cause and thereupon unworthy to use the Green, White and Orange, especially since the flag was meant to represent all of Ireland.
"Take It Down From The Mast" is still sung by Irish Republicans who strive for a united Ireland and regard the political establishment in the Republic of Ireland as traitors.
[edit] Lyrics
- Take it down from the mast, Irish traitors,
- The flag we Republicans claim.
- It can never belong to Free Staters:
- For you brought on it nothing but shame.
- Then leave it to those who are willing
- To uphold it in war and in peace,
- To those who intend to continue
- Until England’s cruel tyranny cease.
- You have taken our brave Liam and Rory.
- You have murdered young Richard and Joe.
- Your hands with their blood are still gory,
- Fulfilling the work of the foe.
- Oh, but we stand with Enright and Larkin,
- With Daly and Sullivan bold.
- We will break down the English connection,
- And bring forth the nation you sold.
- Take it down from the mast, Irish traitors,
- The flag we Republicans claim.
- It can never belong to Free Staters,
- For you brought on it nothing but shame.
