The Boys of Wexford | Irish Rebel Song | 1798 Rising | Traditional Irish Ballad.

Few songs stir the Irish heart like The Boys of Wexford — a proud and defiant ballad that echoes across generations. Its verses tell of ordinary men and women who rose against tyranny, of rebels who fought with pikes and passion, and of sacrifices made in the name of Irish freedom. And now, this historic anthem has been given a new life — not just in song, but in vision.

In this special project, The Boys of Wexford has been reimagined through a fully illustrated video, with each line matched to a cinematic image. Thirty-six in total. Each one crafted to follow the story as it unfolds: the captain’s daughter offering to fight for liberty, the call to arms at Vinegar Hill, the cannon fired into Lord Mountjoy, the victories at Ross and Wexford — and the bitter lessons of drink, loss, and betrayal.

The result is not just a music video — it’s a visual journey through one of Ireland’s most significant uprisings. Every scene is infused with historical realism and emotional weight. The ragged cottages, the rebel gatherings, the pike charges — all were designed to immerse the viewer in 1798, with no modern distractions or romantic filters.

What makes this project stand out is its faithfulness to the lyrics. Most videos skim over rebel ballads, layering generic footage on top. Not here. This version respects every line — from the shine in the captain’s daughter’s eyes, to the chaos of Vinegar Hill. It captures the rage, the courage, and the heartbreak of a people who dared to rise.

The rebellion in Wexford was among the fiercest of the 1798 Rising. Led not by trained armies, but by farmers, blacksmiths, fishermen — united in purpose if not in tactics. The song’s chorus, “We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand…” is more than a lyric — it’s a badge of honour.

But the ballad also acknowledges failure. It does not shy away from blaming drink, poor leadership, and internal division for the rebels’ downfall. That honesty is what makes it powerful. It’s not a celebration of blind nationalism — it’s a lament for what might have been, and a reminder of what we still fight for today: dignity, self-rule, and the soul of a nation.

This blog is proud to host the visual version of The Boys of Wexford — a project created not for commercial gain, but to honour Ireland’s rebel spirit and historical truth. If you’ve ever felt the stir of Irish blood when hearing a bodhrán beat or a fiddle wail — this is for you.

The video is currently unlisted on YouTube while final edits are reviewed. A full public release is coming soon, alongside distribution on Spotify, TikTok, and other platforms. A square-format thumbnail has been created for DistroKid release, ensuring the song reaches streaming platforms with the same visual punch.

Whether you're from Wexford, have ancestors who fought, or simply love Irish history, The Boys of Wexford stands as a tribute — not just to the past, but to the undying flame of resistance that still burns today.

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#TheBoysOfWexford #IrishRebelSongs #1798Rebellion #Wexford #VinegarHill #IrishHistory #BalladOfWexford #TradIrish #IrishMusic #Liberty #CelticPride #FolkBallads

Tags:
The Boys of Wexford, Irish rebel songs, 1798 rebellion, Wexford uprising, Irish history, Irish ballads, Vinegar Hill, Lord Mountjoy, Irish music, Irish folk, United Irishmen, patriotic songs, rebel ballads





LYRICS

In comes the captain's daughter, the captain of the Yeos,
Saying, "Brave United man, we'll ne'er again be foes.
A thousand pounds I'll give you, and fly from home with thee
And dress myself in man's attire, and fight for liberty!"
We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand
To burst in twain the galling chain, and free our native land!

"I want no gold, my maiden fair, to fly from home with thee;
Your shining eyes will be my prize - more dear then gold to me.
I want no gold to nerve my arm to do a true man's part
To free my land I'd gladly give the red drops from my heart."
We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand
To burst in twain the galling chain, and free our native land!

And when we left our cabins, boys, we left with right good will,
To see our friends and neighbours that were at Vinegar Hill!
A young man from our ranks, a cannon he let go;
He slapt it into Lord Mountjoy - a tyrant he laid low!
We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand
To burst in twain the gaIling chain, and free our native land!

We bravely fought and conquered at Ross, and Wexford town;
And, if we failed to keep them, 'twas drink that brought us down.
We had no drink beside us on Tubberneering's day,
Depending on the long bright pike, and well it worked its way!
We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand
To burst in twain the galling chain, and free our native land!

They came into the country our blood to waste and spill;
But let them weep for Wexford, and think of Oulart Hill!
'Twas drink that still betrayed us - of them we had no fear;
For every man could do his part like Forth and Shelmalier!
We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand
To burst the twain the galling chain, and free our native land!

My curse upon all drinking! It made our hearts full sore:
For bravery won each battle, but drink lost ever more.
And if, for want of leaders, we lost at Vinegar Hill,
We're ready for another fight, and love our country still!
We are the boys of Wexford, who fought with heart and hand
To burst in twain the galling chain, and free our native land!


03:35

Location: Ireland

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