Story Behind The Song

This song is about the sacrifice a father (Terence MacSwiney) was willing to make in order to give his daughter a better life and to make his country free. The song can be appreciated from the point of view of any father's love for his daughter.

Song Description

This song "History's Daughter" by The Jennifer Jennings Band was inspired by the book "History's Daughter" by Maire MacSwiney Brugha, who was the daughter of Terence MacSwiney, the Irish revolutionary, who in 1920, died in a British prison after a 73 day hunger strike. His sacrifice caught the attention of the world, and in 1921, Ireland (at least the South) attained its independence.

Lyrics

HISTORY?S DAUGHTER
Words and music by Jennifer Onesto Jennings
© Copyright 2006

She was only 14 years when she
Learned the fate of her father
In a letter he told her why
Now she?s known as History?s Daughter

Chorus:
He gave it all for what he loved
With the strength he found from God above
Who could believe he would change the world
For his country, for his little girl

She was only 20 years when she
Realized his grace
No freedom can be won
Without his sacrifice

Chorus:
He gave it all for what he loved
With the strength he found from God above
Who could believe he would change the world
For his country, for his little girl

Bridge:
From the life of one brave man
Changed the course of Ireland

86 and looking back
At the legacy of her father
From the history of this great man
Came the life of one great daughter

Chorus:
He gave it all for what he loved
With the strength he found from God above
Who could believe he would change the world
For his country, for his little girl

Bridge:
From the life of one brave man
Changed the course of Ireland

Chorus:
He gave it all for what he loved
With the strength he found from God above
Who could believe he would change the world
For his country, for his little girl