"The Broad Black Brimmer" is an Irish Republican folk song written by Art McMillen and first recorded in 1972.
The song narrates the story of a boy whose father died before he was born, fighting in the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
Also referenced are a Sam Browne belt, britches, a trench coat and a holster – items of equipment commonly associated with the IRA of that era.
Shortly after the narrator's father marries his mother comes the "truce and Treaty and the parting of the ways" (split in the IRA).
Each chorus emphasises that although his holster has been, "empty for many a year"... "when men claim Ireland's freedom, the ones they'll choose to lead 'em will wear the broad black brimmer of the IRA".