The patriot game

Come all ye young rebels and list while I sing

For love of one's country is a terrible thing

It banishes fear like the speed of a flame

And it makes you a part of the patriot's game.

My name is O'Hanlon, I've just gone sixteen

My home is in Monaghan and where I was weaned

I've been told all my life cruel England's to blame

So I am part of the patriot's game.

It's barely two years since I wandered away

With a local battalion of the bold IRA

I've read of our heroes, I've wanted the same

For the play up my part in the patriot's game.

This Ireland of ours has for long been half free

Six counties are under John Bull's tyranny

And most of our leaders are greatly to blame

For shirking their part in the patriot's game.

They told me how Connolly was shot in his chair

His wounds from the battle all bleeding and bare

His fine body twisted, all tattered and lame

They soon made me part of the patriot's game.

Now I am dying, my body all holes

I think of those traitors who bargained and sold

I'm sorry my rifle has not done the same

For the Quislings who sold out the patriot game

T: Dominic Behan, M: Traditionel ("The Merry Month of May")