I had a true love if ever a girl had one
I had a true love, a brave lad was he
One fine Easter Monday with his gallant comrades
He started away for to make Ireland free

[Chorus]
For all around my hat I wear a tri-coloured ribbon, oh
All around my hat until death comes to me
And if anybody's asking me 'Why do I wear it?'
It's all for my own true love I never more will see

He whispered "Goodbye love, old Ireland is calling"
High over Dublin our tri-colour flies
In the streets of the city the foeman is falling
And wee birds are whistling "Old Ireland, arise"

[Chorus]
For all around my hat I wear a tri-coloured ribbon, oh
All around my hat until death comes to me
And if anybody's asking me 'Why do I wear it?'
It's all for my own true love I never more will see

In praying and watching, the dark hours passed over
The roar of the guns brought no message to me
I prayed for old Ireland, I prayed for my lover
That he might be saved and old Ireland be free
[Chorus]
For all around my hat I wear a tri-coloured ribbon, oh
All around my hat until death comes to me
And if anybody's asking me 'Why do I wear it?'
It's all for my own true love I never more will see

The struggle was ended, they brought me the story
The last whispered message he sent unto me
"I was true to my land, love, I fought for her glory
And gave up my life for to make Ireland free"

[Chorus]
For all around my hat I wear a tri-coloured ribbon, oh
All around my hat until death comes to me
And if anybody's asking me 'Why do I wear it?'
It's all for my own true love I never more will see