"Derry's Walls" is a historical song sung in Northern Ireland. It commemorates the Siege of Derry in 1689. The author of the words is unknown, and it is sung to the tune of "God Bless the Prince of Wales.âÂÂ
A modified rendition is also popular amongst supporters of Rangers F.C.
Derry's Walls is a popular song played by loyalist bands during Royal Black and Orange parades, especially Derry Day, but also popular on other key events in the Orange Order's marching season, including the "last Saturday in August" parade and The Twelfth of July.
Verse 1
The time has scarce gone round boys <br> Three hundred years ago<br> When Rebels on old Derry's Walls <br> Their faces dare not show<br> When James and all his rebel band <br> Came up to Bishops Gate<br> With heart and hand, and sword and shield <br> We caused them to retreat.
Chorus.
Verse 2
Tho blood did flow in crimson streams <br> Through many a winter's night<br> They knew the Lord was on their side <br> To help them in their fight<br> They nobly stood upon the walls <br> Determined for to die,<br> Or fight and gain the victory <br> And raise the Crimson high;
Chorus.
Verse 3
At last, at last, with one broadside,<br> Kind heaven sent them aid,<br> The boom that blocked The Foyle was broke<br> And James he was dismayed<br> The banner, boys, that floated<br> Was run aloft with joy,<br> God bless the ship that broke the boom,<br> And saved the Apprentice Boys!
Chorus.
Beyond its marching routes, "Derry's Walls" has been used as a political anthem for working-class unionist movements. In the 1906 General Election, the song was sung by supporters of Thomas "Tod" Sloan following his victory as an independent unionist candidate in South Belfast. Sloan was a shipyard worker and one of the founding members of the Independent Orange Order and appealed to the workers, championing workers rights. Sloan's victory celebrations were presided over by trade unionist Alexander Boyd, during which his supporters sang 'Derry's Walls'.