The Sash
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The Sash is an Irish Protestant ballad commemorating the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. It is popular amongst the Unionist community of Northern Ireland. The words are thought to be no more than 100 years old, but the melody has been traced back to the early 19th century. In recent times the song has occasionally been used to incite religious hatred and some institutions have banned renditions of it.
The Lyrics
Sure I'm an Ulster Orangeman, from Erin's isle I came, To see my British brethren all of honour and of fame, And to tell them of my forefathers who fought in days of yore, That I might have the right to wear, the sash my father wore!
It is old but it is beautiful, and its colours they are fine
It was worn at Derry, Aughrim, Enniskillen and the Boyne.
My father wore it as a youth in bygone days of yore
And on the Twelfth I love to wear the sash my father wore
For those brave men who crossed the Boyne have not fought or died in vain Our Unity, Religion, Laws, and Freedom to maintain, If the call should come we'll follow the drum, and cross that river once more That tomorrow's Ulsterman may wear the sash my father wore!
And when some day, across the sea to Antrim's shore you come, We'll welcome you in royal style, to the sound of flute and drum And Ulster's hills shall echo still, from Rathlin to Dromore As we sing again the loyal strain of the sash my father wore!
External Link
Orange Order of Northern Ireland (http://www.grandorange.org.uk/parades/orangeman_on_parade.html)