The Red Flag

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 in 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 mustn't change it's color now

Raise the scarlet ....

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

Raise the scarlet ....

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

Raise the scarlet ....

With heads uncovered swear we all

To bare it onward 'til we fall

Come dungeons dark or gallows grim

This song shall be our parting hymn

Raise the scarlet ....

T: Jim Connell, M: Trad ("O Tannenbaum") 1889