The people's flag is deepest red
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It shrouded oft our martyred dead
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And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold
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Their hearts' blood dyed to every fold
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Chorus:
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Then raise the scarlet standard high
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Beneath its folds we'll live and die
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Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer
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We'll keep the red flag flying here
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It waved above our infant might
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When all ahead seemed dark as night
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It witnessed many a deed and vow
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We must not change its colour now
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Chorus
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It well recalls the triumphs past
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It gives the hope of peace at last
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The banner bright, the symbol plain
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Of human right and human gain
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Chorus
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It suits today the meek and base
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Whose minds are fixed on pelf and place
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To cringe beneath the rich man's frown
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And haul that sacred emblem down
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Chorus
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With heads uncovered swear we all
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To bear it onward till we fall
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Come dungeons dark or gallows grim
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This song shall be our parting hymn
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Chorus
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Words: Jim Connell Music: "The White Cockade"
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The Red Flag
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Billy Bragg |