The Rising of the Moon
Traditional
“Oh then tell me, Sean O’Farrell, tell me why you hurry so.”
“Hush a bhuach-aill, hush and listen!”
and his cheeks were all a glow.
“I bear orders from the Captain, get you ready quick and soon,
for the pikes must be together at the rising on the moon!”
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon,
for the pikes must be together at the rising of the moon.
“Oh then tell me Sean O’Farrell where the gathering’s to be."
"In the old spot by the river, right well known to you and me.
One word more for signal token, whistle up the marching tune.
With your pike upon your shoulder by the rising of the moon.”
By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon.
With your pike upon your shoulder by the rising of the moon.
Out of many a mud-wall cabin eyes were watching out that night.
Many a manly heart was throbbing for that blessed warning light.
Murmurs passed along the valley like a banshee’s lonely croon.
And a thousand blades were flashing at the rising of the moon.
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon.
And a thousand blades were flashing at the rising of the moon.
Well they fought for dear old Ireland,
full and bitter was their fate.
What a glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of '98.
But thank God e'en still are beating
hearts in manhoods burning noon.
Who would follow in their footsteps at the rising of the moon?
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon.
Who would follow in their footsteps at the rising of the moon?
