Over the Hills and Far Away (Irish Version)

I wrote these lyrics to the traditional British Army tune back in 2022, to accompany a lecture I gave on soldiers from Poyntzpass who’d served overseas (mostly with the British Army). I wanted to sing a song with a traditional feel, with a chorus people could sing along to, but one which celebrated the Irish experience in the British Army, since it was Irish soldiers I was talking about. I couldn’t find one to fit the bill, so I had write one.

The air is traditional, the lyrics are my own.
I hope you enjoy it :)
🇮🇪🇬🇧☘️💂🏻

Lyrics:

Chorus:
O’er the hills and o’er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands and we’ll obey,
Over the hills and Far Away!

1. The horn of Mars with sword and lance,
In martial strain bade us to dance,
all over the face of Spain and France,
Prime cannon; bayonets, advance!

2. Brave Irishmen did shout and cry
In Portugal we’ll fight and die
And green will flash the midnight sky
As fierce and free our colours fly

3. With fire and haste and rocket’s glow,
To stand and face Britannia’s foe,
But the lays and ballads sure shall show,
‘Twas Irishmen were first to go…

4. Our Captains up on horseback ride,
Our redcoats worn, our muskets primed,
Faugh-a-ballagh roars the tide,
With lance and spear, we’ll France divide

5. Napoleon’s ranks will glory see,
As Heaven bends them at the knee,
But from their ears will ringing be,
Our war-cry for eternity!