I had a true love if ever a girl had one
I had a true love, a brave lad was he
One fine Easter Monday
With his gallant comrades
He started away for to make Ireland free

For all around my hat I
Wear a tri-coloured ribbon, oh
All around my hat until death comes to me
And if anybody's asking me 'Why
Do I wear it?'
It's all for my own true love
I never more will see

He whispered "Goodbye love
Old Ireland is calling"
High over Dublin our tri-colour flies
In the streets of the city
The foeman is falling
And wee birds are whistling "Old Ireland
Arise"

For all around my hat I
Wear a tri-coloured ribbon, oh
All around my hat until death comes to me
And if anybody's asking me 'Why
Do I wear it?'
It's all for my own true love
I never more will see

In praying and watching
The dark hours passed over
The roar of the guns brought no message to me
I prayed for old Ireland
I prayed for my lover
That he might be saved and
Old Ireland be free

For all around my hat I
Wear a tri-coloured ribbon, oh
All around my hat until death comes to me
And if anybody's asking me 'Why
Do I wear it?'
It's all for my own true love
I never more will see

The struggle was ended
They brought me the story
The last whispered message he sent unto me
"I was true to my land, love
I fought for her glory
And gave up my life for
To make Ireland free"

For all around my hat I
Wear a tri-coloured ribbon, oh
All around my hat until death comes to me
And if anybody's asking me 'Why
Do I wear it?'
It's all for my own true love
I never more will see

Copyright: BARDIS MUSIC, USA ATTN: PETER BARDON
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