Derry's Walls

"Derry's Walls" is a historical song sung in Northern Ireland. It commemorates the Siege of Derry in 1689. The author of the words is unknown, and it is sung to the tune of "God Bless the Prince of Wales.”
A modified rendition is also popular amongst supporters of Rangers F.C.
Derry's Walls is a popular song played by loyalist bands during Royal Black and Orange parades, especially Derry Day, but also popular on other key events in the Orange Order's marching season, including the "last Saturday in August" parade and The Twelfth of July.

Lyrics

Verse 1
The time has scarce gone round boys
Three hundred years ago
When Rebels on old Derry's Walls
Their faces dare not show
When James and all his rebel band
Came up to Bishops Gate
With heart and hand, and sword and shield
We caused them to retreat.
Chorus.
Verse 2
Tho blood did flow in crimson streams
Through many a winter's night
They knew the Lord was on their side
To help them in their fight
They nobly stood upon the walls
Determined for to die,
Or fight and gain the victory
And raise the Crimson high;
Chorus.
Verse 3
At last, at last, with one broadside,
Kind heaven sent them aid,
The boom that blocked The Foyle was broke
And James he was dismayed
The banner, boys, that floated
Was run aloft with joy,
God bless the ship that broke the boom,
And saved the Apprentice Boys!
Chorus.

Political use

Beyond it's marching routes, "Derry's Walls" has been used as a political anthem for working-class unionist movements. In the 1906 General Election, the song was sung by supporters of Thomas "Tod" Sloan following his victory as an independent unionist candidate in South Belfast. Sloan was a shipyard worker and one of the founding members of the Independent Orange Order and appealed to the workers, championing workers rights. Sloan's victory celebrations were presided over by trade unionist Alexander Boyd, during which his supporters sang 'Derry's Walls'.