The Red Flag Lyrics - Billy Bragg

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 to every fold 

Chorus: 

Then raise the scarlet standard high 

Beneath it's 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 it's colour now 

Chorus 

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 

Chorus 

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 

Chorus 

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 

Chorus 

Words: jim connell music: "the white cockade"