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!

[utubrGaming]

"God save Ireland"

~ Sgt. Patrick Harper, 95th Rifles

[fredofasgarnia]

Original, yet authentic, lyrics to Over the Hill and Far Away? Now *that's* soldiering! 😎 Seriously though, phenomenal work!

[annethequeen]

The best version I've ever heard. More than perfect.
Love from an Irish origin (Ísle of man) born in Norway but live in Sweden.

[GarrulousHerald]

This is something I would have expected to be posted 13 years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there are some that still seek to emulate folk songs (or innovate upon them) and capture the aesthetic perfectly. Beautiful usage of words, flows naturally, fits the beats of the song without hiccup... And, what many seem to take for granted, the lyrics tell a story.

The juxtaposition between the calm music and soft vocals which stay consistent even upon telling the more powerful lyrics 2:20, 0:54, to name a few. It shows grace and thoughtfulness. The words need not be shouted. They are powerful enough on their own, and this is the tone you'd hear outside of battle at camp and everyone has wound down and everything is relatively quiet. Perhaps at dusk or dawn or under the moonlight. Or it could represent someone humming it casually with added music. Much like the version posted by OrlopRat42 12 years ago. It represents the individual, or a group silently associating with a solo singer perhaps around a campfire. Again, its graceful and punctual, rather than boisterous (which has its own merits) but both inspiring and perhaps this approach a bit more thoughtful as one may reflect upon the lyrics with less distraction.

Well done.

[ciceronincheese]

Lovely, moving lyrics. Your voice is also quite charming and expressive. Very warm. Very well done!

[Sparkera]

You, sir, are one skilled lyricist! They're adorable!

[isweatpocari]

I thought this was some obscure rare version of the song until I read the description - you did a great job!

[batterythebattery]

This is one of my favorite interpretations of this tune yet. It feels genuine. Great work, really.

[SonOfLittleWolf]

Very nice! My wife and I have heard just about every version of this song, I like it! Have to keep the memory of our ancestors alive.

[jarjars]

Great lyrics, captures the imagination just like the original, well done sir!

[LT-gsbj]

Very good. Well written and performed: I can see it. Clever and timeless verses there.

[seighart]

If you need someone to defend get a regiment of Welshmen or Englishmen. If you need to attack get the Irish or Scotts. If you have to do the impossible get the Gurkhas

[wayneabel]

brilliant very diffrent verison to queen anns or the very common britania version

[HistoryBoy]

INCREDIBLY EXCITED to view! A MASSIVELY popular song; (no doubt played so well) has made this a true HIT!

[qf]

Always love to hear music from the Napoleonic era/early Victorian and this version of 'Over the Hills and Far Away' was superb mate. Best regards from Portsmouth, England.

[spk]

Here's a transcription of the lyrics. (let me know of any errors)

O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.

The horn of a marred sword and lance,
And Marshals' strain, bay us to dance,
All over the face of Spain and France,
Bright cannons bay, and that's advance.

O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.

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

O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.

With fire and haste, and rockets' glow,
To stand and face Britannia's foe,
But the lives and valor sure shall show,
Those Irishmen were first to go.

O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.

Our captains up on horseback ride,
Our redcoats worn, our muskets primed,
"Faugh a ballagh!" o'er the tide,
With lance and spear, we'll France divide.

O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.

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.

O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.

[Oldkingcole]

This is an amazing version of this song. I love it.

[paultaylorphotography]

First time I heard this tune and chorus was on Sharpe by John Timms loved it then love it now awesome adaptation cheers subbed

[SofiaDK]

I would love to hear this version on Spotify! and be a part of my permanent playlists, your voice is so calming, yet strong! i already loved this song, and now with such a beautiful voice!

[Thebroshow]

The British army was very diverse during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleon war, not only did they have Irish, Scottish soldiers but also African Americans and Native American soldiers as well .