The tribune's tongue and poet's pen
May sow the seed in prostrate men
For it is a soldier's sword alone
Can reap the crops so bravely sown

No more I'll sing, no more I'll pine
But train my soul to lead a line
A soldier's life is the life for me
A soldier's death can Ireland free

No foe would fear your thunder words
If it were not for your lightning source
If tyrants yield while millions pray
'Tis less they link in war's array

Nor peace itself is safe but when
The sword is yielded by fighting men
A soldier's life is the life for me
A soldier's death can Ireland free

The rifle brown and sabre bright
Can freely speak and nobly write
What prophet taught to grieve so well
As Hofer, Breen, Bruce and Tell?

God guard the creed those heroes taught
That blood-fought freedom is cheaply bought
A soldier's life is the life for me
A soldier's death can Ireland free

Yet it is not strength and it is not steel
Alone can make the English reel
But wisdom working day by day
Til comes a time for passion's sway

The patient din and powder shot
Can knock an empire like a rock
A soldier's life is the life for me
A soldier's death can Ireland free
A soldier's life is the life for me
A soldier's death can Ireland free