<Billy Bragg> page <The Internationale> album page |
The Red FlagThe people's flag is deepest redIt shrouded oft our martyred dead And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold Their hearts' blood dyed to 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 must not change its colour now 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 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 With heads uncovered swear we all To bare it onward till we fall Come dungeons dark or gallows grim This song shall be our parting hymn |