Up the Republic, they raise their battle cry,
Pearse and McDermott will pray for you on high,
Eager and ready, for love of you they die
Proud march the soldiers of the Rearguard.
Legion of the Rearguard,
Answering Ireland's call,
Hark their martial tramp is heard
From Cork to Donegal,
Wolfe Love and Emmett guide you,
Though your task be hard,
De Valera leads you,
Soldiers of the Legion of the Rearguard.
Glorious the morning,
Through flame and shot and shell,
Now rally Ireland,
Your sons who love you well
Pledged, they'll defend you,
Through death or prison cell
Wait for the soldiers of the Rearguard.
Crimson the roadside,
The prison wall they climb,
Proof of their valor,
Go sleep in peace ye brave,
Comrade tread lightly,
You're near a hero's grave,
Proud die the soldiers of the Rearguard.