Derry's Walls

"Derry's Walls" is a historical song sung in Northern Ireland. It commemorates the Siege of Derry in 1689.^[1]

The author of the words is unknown, and it is sung to the tune of "God Bless the Prince of Wales".

Lyrics

Verse 1

The time has scarce gone round boys
Three hundred years ago
When Rebels on old Derry's Walls
Their faces dare not show
When James and all his rebel band
Came up to Bishops Gate
With heart and hand and sword and shield
We forced them to retreat.

Chorus.

We'll fight and don't surrender

But come when duty calls,

With heart and hand and sword and shield

We'll guard old Derry's Walls.

Verse 2

When blood it flow in crimson streams
Through many a winter's night
They knew the Lord was on their side
To help them in their fight
They Nobly stood upon the walls
Determined for to die,
To fight and gain the victory
And raise the Crimson high;

Chorus.

They'll fight and don't surrender

But come when duty calls,

With heart and hand and sword and shield

We'll guard old Derry's Walls.

Verse 3

At last, at last, with one broad side,
Kind heaven sent their aid,
The boom that crossed, The Foyle was broke
And James he was dismayed
The banner, boys, that floated
Was run aloft with joy,
God bless the hands that broke the boom,
And saved the Apprentice Boys!

Chorus.

They'll fight and don't surrender

But come when duty calls,

With heart and hand and sword and shield

We'll guard old Derry's Walls.

References