Clear the Way (December 13th, 1862)

They came across the ocean in search of liberty Escaping persecution, famine and poverty Signed up for bloodshed New home a battleground Send in the Irish, so courageous and renowned Sons of Erin Marching gallantly Into a storm of lead (Forward! Clear the way!) Sons of Erin Charging valiantly Across that bloody space (Forward! Clear the way!) The hills alive with murder The sky so cold and grey The general gives the order Irish clear the way! Bodies fall like leaves in autumn From the wall at Marye’s Heights Shot and shell ripping through them A cold horrific sight Sons of Erin Marching gallantly Into a storm of lead (Forward! Clear the way!) Sons of Erin Charging valiantly Across that bloody space (Forward! Clear the way!) Intrepid sons with heads held high Go where glory awaits you Your absolution under fire If the Lord above takes you Fight, stand tall, prevail Your brothers surround you Fight, stand tall, prevail Your courage defines you Charge through the dead and dying No surrender no retreat Their brothers paid the price They’ll never smell defeat Raise high the emerald colors for all the field to see They charged into the slaughter with faith and dignity Sons of Erin Marching gallantly Into a storm of lead (Forward! Clear the way!) Sons of Erin Charging valiantly Across that bloody space (Forward! Clear the way!) Intrepid sons with heads held high Go where glory awaits you Your absolution under fire If the Lord above takes you Fight, stand tall, prevail Your brothers surround you Fight, stand tall, prevail Your courage defines you Intrepid sons with heads held high Go where glory awaits you Your absolution under fire If the Lord above takes you Fight, stand tall, prevail Your brothers surround you Fight, stand tall, prevail Your courage defines you