The Minstrel Boy

The Minstrel Boy was an Earth song that Chief Miles O'Brien often used as his "happy thought" in dire situations. His one-time captain, Benjamin Maxwell, was also fond of the song, as was Timothy Sinclair. A Paradan replicant of O'Brien was programmed to know the song. (TNG: "The Wounded"; DS9: "Whispers", Star Trek: Pendragon)

O'Brien, Maxwell and Sinclair all learned the song from Will Kayden, a crewman on the USS Rutledge. Kayden was killed in the Setlik III massacre, his last words were from the song.

Sinclair taught the song to his sons, Jeff and Tyler.

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" 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 bravery Thy songs were made for the pure and free They shall never sound in slavery"

During the American Civil War, a third verse, steeped in Christian eschatology, was added.


 * The minstrel boy will return one day,
 * When we hear the news, we will cheer it.
 * The minstrel boy will return we pray,
 * Torn in body, perhaps, but not in spirit.
 * Then may he play his harp in peace,
 * In a world such as Heaven intended,
 * For every quarrel of Man must cease,
 * And every battle shall be ended.

Timothy Sinclair sang the song, including the third verse, on the bridge of the USS Christopher Pike before participating in Operation Return in 2374.

Background
The Minstrel Boy is believed to have been written by Irish poet Thomas Moore (1779-1852) to commemorate friends who had died in the 1798 Irish rebellion against British rule.