beneath a burning sun
 McDowell met the Southern troops
 in battle at Bull Run
 Above the Union vanguard
 was proudly to be seen
 Beside the starry banner
 old Erin?s flag of green

 Col. Corcoran led the 69th
 on that eventful day
 I wish the Prince of Wales were there
 to see him in the fray
 His charge upon the batteries
 was a most glorious scene
 With gallant New York firemen
 and the boys that wear the green

 In the hottest of the fire
 there rode along the line
 A captain of the Zouave band, crying
 "Now, boys, is your time"
 Ah, who so boldy rides
 with the bold and dauntless men
 ?Tis Thomas Francis Meagher
 of Erin?s isle of green

 The colors of the 69th
 I say it without shame
 Were taken in the struggle
 to swell the victor?s fame
 But Farnham?s dashing Zouaves
 that run with the machine
 Retook them in a moment
 with the boys that wore the green

 Being overpowered by numbers
 our troops were forced to flee
 The Southern black horse cavalry
 on them charged furiously
 But in that hour of peril
 the flying mass to screen
 Stood the gallant New York firemen
 with the boys that wore the green

 Oh, the boys of the 69th
 they are a gallant band
 Bolder never drew a sword
 for their adopted land
 Amongst the fallen heroes
 a braver had not been
 Than you, lamented Haggerty
 of Erin?s isle of green

 Farewell, my gallant countrymen
 who fell that fatal day.
 Farewell, ye noble firemen
 now mouldering in the clay
 While blooms the leafy shamrock
 whilst runs the old machine
 Your deeds will live bold Red Shirts
 and boys that wore the green