Oh, father, why are you so sad
On this bright Easter morn
When Irish men are proud and glad
Of the land where they were born?
Son, I see in mem’ries few
Of far-off distant days
When being just a lad like you
I joined the IRA

[Chorus]
Where are the lads who stood with me
When history was made?
A grá mo chroí, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade

From hills and farms, the call to arms
Was heard by one and all
And from the glen came brave young men
To answer Ireland’s call
'Twas long ago we faced a foe
The old brigade and me
But by my side they fought and died
That Ireland might be free

[Chorus]
Where are the lads who stood with me
When history was made?
A grá mo chroí, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade
And now, my boy, I’ve told you why
On Easter morn I sigh
For I recall my comrades, all
Of dark old days gone by
I think of men who fought in glen
With rifle and grenade
May heaven keep the men who sleep
From the ranks of the old brigade

[Chorus]
Where are the lads who stood with me
When history was made?
A grá mo chroí, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade