The people's flag is deepest red   It shrouded oft our martyred dead   And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold   Their hearts' blood dyed to every fold      Chorus:   Then raise the scarlet standard high   Beneath it's folds we'll live and die   Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer   We'll keep the red flag flying here      It waved above our infant might   When all ahead seemed dark as night   It witnessed many a deed and vow   We must not change it's colour now      Chorus      It well recalls the triumphs past   It gives the hope of peace at last   The banner bright, the symbol plain   Of human right and human gain      Chorus      It suits today the meek and base   Whose minds are fixed on pelf and place   To cringe beneath the rich man's frown   And haul that sacred emblem down      Chorus      With heads uncovered swear we all   To bare it onward till we fall   Come dungeons dark or gallows grim   This song shall be our parting hymn      Chorus      Words: jim connell music: "the white cockade"