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Song Information:

Hardware: 12-string Alvarez guitar. Derbeck (Lebanese drum). Mbox. MXL 2001 mic. AudioTechnica AT 3035 mic. Apple G4 (500MHz, 768 MB SDRAM). Mac OS 10.3.7.

For vocalization inspiration, I purchased a bunch of Paul Robeson songs from iTunes Music Store. Among them was Robeson's take on The Minstrel Boy, an early 19th century Irish tune. Check out Robeson's cut at the iTunes Music Store: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=32243809&selectedItemId=32243589

This is my own upbeat interpretation. I do vocals, drum, guitar and mixing on this rendition. I worked out my own chord progressions, raising the key from Robeson's A flat to a much more comfortable D major.

Here's some song info from http://ogallchobhair.org/minstrelboy.htm

The Minstrel Boy is an emotionally stirring and inspirational song, It was written by Thomas Moore (1779-1852) who set it to the melody of The Moreen, and old Irish aire. It is believed by many that Moore composed the song as a memorial to several of his friends he had met while a student at Trinity College and who had participated in the 1798 rebellion of the United Irishmen. One died in prison, another was wounded, and a third captured and hung. The song originally consisted of two verses. Due to its popularity, the song was a favorite of the many Irishmen who fought during the U.S. Civil War, primarily on the Union side.

This song remains a favorite of reenactment fife and drum corps (both Union and Confederate) and is heard frequently in both camps today.

Song Lyrics:

The minstrel boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him
His father's sword he hath girded on
And his wild harp's slung behind him.

"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard
"Though all the world betrays thee.
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under.
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again
For he tore its chords asunder.

And said "No chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!"