Fifes and Drums/Our Flag in France
OUR FLAG IN FRANCE
Up with the flag in France, lads, up with the flag in France!
As the dawn-rays rising oversea, so be its bright advance;
The dawn-rays flaming on the sea, the morning round the world—
Long and dark was the night to us, while the Stars and Stripes were furled!
Out with the sword in France, lads, out with the sword in France!
As the sudden gleam of a twilight star, so be its flashing glance;
A star that brings a mighty hope to a people worn and pressed;
Glad were they for the kindly word, but the helping hand is best.
Follow the guns in France, lads, follow the guns in France!
Take with those on the foremost line the brave man's fighting chance;
There's a people here behind you, whose dreaming hours are past,
Who will send you forth with a swelling heart, and back you to the last.
Fight for the world's defence, lads, as your fathers fought before,
For truth and right against ruthless might, for freedom's cause once more!
Though the way be long and the hazard strong, for glory or mischance,
Up with the flag in France, lads, up with the flag in France!
Marion Couthouy Smith.