[Verse]
Far into the morning, with flame and shot and shell,
Now rally Ireland, the sons who love you well,
Pledged to defend you, through death or prison cell,
Wait for the legion of the rearguard,

[Chorus]
Legion of the rearguard, answering Ireland's call,
Hark the sound of trumpets, from Cork to Donegal,
Tone and Emmet guide you, although your task be hard,
Cathal Brugha leads you, soldiers of the legion of the rearguard.

[Verse]
Shell shattered fortress, prison barricade,
True to the story of our lighting quickening aid,
Comrades, tread lightly, you're near a hero's grave,
Ne'er sleeps a soldier of the rearguard.

[Chorus]
Legion of the rearguard, answering Ireland's call,
Hark the sound of trumpets, from Cork to Donegal,
Tone and Emmet guide you, although your task be hard,
Cathal Brugha leads you, soldiers of the legion of the rearguard.

[Verse 3]
Then "Up the Republic!", we'll raise our battle cry,
Pearse, Clarke, MacDermott, we'll pray for them on high,
Eager, and ready, for love of you to die,
Now march you soldiers of the rearguard!

[Chorus]
Legion of the rearguard, answering Ireland's call,
Hark the sound of trumpets, from Cork to Donegal,
Tone and Emmet guide you, although your task be hard,
Cathal Brugha leads you, soldiers of the legion of the rearguard.