Oh, father why are you so sad
On this bright Easter morn'
When Irish men are proud and glad
Of the land that they were born?
Oh, son, I see in mem'ries few
Of far off distant days
When being just a lad like you
I joined the IRA.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
From hills and farms a call to arms
Was heard by one and all.
And from the glen came brave young men
To answer Ireland's call.
âT wasn't long ago we faced a foe,
The old brigade and me,
And by my side they fought and died
That Ireland might be free.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, 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
And 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.