The Minstrel Boy

"The Minstrel Boy"
January 3rd, 2010
Watercolors, pencil, cold-pressed paper
5.5 x 14.5 inches (approx.)

So, a friend of mine got me hooked on this song. I couldn't stop listening to it for a long while. This is pretty much the image that popped up into my head, and I felt like the song is so epic that I HAD to illustrate it, or at least try to. So here it is! Once again, me, trying to practice doing watercolors more. I should probably have more pictures up soon, seeing as how my teacher will kill me 'cause I only have two pictures finished to show her after her break. Ah well, I have lots of stuff lined up, so look forward to that!



THE MINSTREL BOY
by Thomas Moore

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 slung behind him;"
Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' 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 brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"

The version I like the best that I've heard so far is the one done at the ending credits of "Black Hawk Down." You really get the feeling for the song, so go and listen to it while you look at the picture.



Of course, I also thought of this piece from "The Ballad of the White Horse" when it talks about the Irish chieftan, Colan of Caerleon, that King Alfred is trying to recruit to help him fight the Danes:

"His harp was carved and cunning,
His sword prompt and sharp,
And he was gay when he held the sword,
Sad when he held the harp.

For the great Gaels of Ireland
Are the men that God made mad,
For all their wars are merry,
And all their songs are sad."

~ "The Ballad of the White Horse" G.K. Chesterton [link]

Read it! Read it! READ IT!!! It's a great poem. Especially if you're into epic ballads. Heheh, and it's so true. Irish songs are either really fun and silly or beyond depressingly sad. Joy and Sorrow is very much a part of the Irish spirit.