Back to song list   Previous song The Rifles of the I.R.A.
Next song The Rising of the Moon (2)

THE RISING OF THE MOON (1)

"Oh then tell me, Sean O'Farrell, tell me why you hurry so?"
"Hush me bouchal, hush and listen," and his face was all aglow
"I bear orders from the captain, get you ready quick and soon
With your pike upon your shoulder for the rising of the moon"

"Oh then tell me, Sean O'Farrell, where the gatherin' is to be?"
"Near the old spot by the river, right well known to you and me
One more word, for signal token whistle up the marching tune
For our pikes must be together by the rising of the moon"

Out from many a mud-walled cabin, eyes were lookin' through the night
Many a manly heart was throbin' for the blessed morning light
Murmurs ran along the valley like some banshee's mournful croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon

All along the shining river one black mass of men was seen
And above their shining weapons hung their own beloved green
Death to every foe and traitor! Forward, strike the marching tune
And hurrah me boys for freedom, it's the rising of the moon

Well they fought for dear old Ireland, and full bitter was their fate
Oh what glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of ninety-eight
But thank God e'en now are beating hearts in mankind's burning noon
Who will follow in their footsteps, at the rising of the moon


257/319, 1322 characters