The Red Flag - Billy Bragg

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

Then raise the scarlet standard high

Beneath its 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 its colour now

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

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

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

Words: Jim Connell Music: «The White Cockade»