The Sash

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The Sash (also known as The Sash My Father Wore) is a ballad from the Irish province of Ulster commemorating the victory of King William III in the Williamite war in Ireland in 1690–1691.

The lyrics mention the 1689 Siege of Derry, the 1689 Battle of Newtownbutler near Enniskillen, the 1690 Battle of the Boyne and the 1691 Battle of Aughrim. It is popular amongst Ulster loyalists and many unionists in Northern Ireland, as well as in parts of Scotland where it can often be heard sung at football games by supporters of Rangers F.C. and in England, albeit as a variant called The Scarf, at Stockport County (in particular by the more vocal support at away matches).

The lyrics are thought to be around 100 years old, and the melody has been traced back to the early 19th century. The tune of "The Sash" was well known around Europe, and before the lyrics were added, it was a love song that lamented division between people. Instead of "it was old and it was beautiful", the lyrics were "she was young and she was beautiful" and is in Broadside Ballads (1787)[1] titled Irish Molly O. Another known printing of the tune is from 1876 including the words "The Hat My Father Wore".[2] The song is classified in the Roud Folk Song Index as number 4796. It has also been adapted by fans of Stockport County F.C., who call it "The Scarf My Father Wore" or simply "The Anthem".

The tune is used by Liverpool F.C. fans in their song Poor Scouser Tommy.


So sure l'm an Ulster Orangeman, from Erin's isle I came,
To see my British brethren all of honour and of fame,
And to tell them of my forefathers who fought in days of yore,
That I might have the right to wear, the sash my father wore!

It was worn at Derry, Aughrim, Enniskillen and the Boyne.
My father wore it as a youth in bygone days of yore,
And on the Twelfth I love to wear the sash my father wore.


For those brave men who crossed the Boyne have not fought or died in vain
Our Unity, Religion, Laws, and Freedom to maintain,
If the call should come we'll follow the drum, and cross that river once more
That tomorrow's Ulsterman may wear the sash my father wore!


And when some day, across the sea to Antrim's shore you come,
We'll welcome you in royal style, to the sound of flute and drum
And Ulster's hills shall echo still, from Rathlin to Dromore
As we sing again the loyal strain of the sash my father wore![3]

Sheet music[edit]

The Sash, music score


External links[edit]