High upon the gallows tree swung the noble hearted three
By the vengeful tyrant stricken in their bloom
But they met him face to face with the courage of their race
And they went with souls undaunted to their doom

[Chorus]
God save Ireland, said the heroes
God save Ireland, said they all
Whether on the scaffold high
Or the battlefield we die
Oh, what matter when for Ireland dear we fall

Girt around with cruel foes
Still, their courage proudly rose
For they thought of hearts that loved them, far and near
For the millions true and brave o'er the ocean's swelling wave
And their friends in dear old Ireland, ever dear

[Chorus]
God save Ireland, said the heroes
God save Ireland, said they all
Whether on the scaffold high
Or the battlefield we die
Oh, what matter when for Ireland dear we fall

Climbed they up the rugged stair
Rang their voices out in prayer
Then with England's fatal cord around them cast
Close beside the gallows tree kissed like brothers lovingly
True to home and faith and freedom to the last
[Chorus]
God save Ireland, said the heroes
God save Ireland, said they all
Whether on the scaffold high
Or the battlefield we die
Oh, what matter when for Ireland dear we fall

Never to the latest day shall their memory pass away
Of the gallant lives thus given for our land
But on the cause must go, 'midst the joy, the weal and woe
Till we make our Isle a nation free and grand

[Chorus]
God save Ireland, said the heroes
God save Ireland, said they all
Whether on the scaffold high
Or the battlefield we die
Oh, what matter when for Ireland dear we fall