An Inspiration

Being a fan of war movies, Ridley Scott's 'Black Hawk Down', based on the US Somalia operations, undoubtedly ranks among my faves. The soundtrack, like the movie, is equally superb. One song that stands out for me is the one that plays on the end credits. The tune just hit me when I was watching it for the first time leaving the movie theatre. Once I checked out the lyrics, I was truly inspired. Named 'Minstrel Boy', it is performed for the movie by Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros. But originally, it is a poem written by the Irish poet Thomas Moore in the early nineteenth century in remembrance of his friends who had fought & been martyred in the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

The lyrics:

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,

In the ranks of death you'll find him;

His father's sword he hath girded on,

And his wild harp slung behind him;

"Land of Song!" cried 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!"

Footnote : Once I did listen to the entire soundtrack, I was disappointed to learn that my favourite composer A.R. Rahman has directly lifted tunes from it (viz. a song called 'Barra Barra') for the songs 'Khalbali' and the opening sequence of Rang De Basanti. :(

In case he has mentioned his inspiration, I stand corrected, but I am truly disappointed.