The Patriot Game

(Dominic Behan)



Come all ye young rebels, and list while I sing,

For the love of one's country is a terrible thing.

It banishes fear with the speed of a flame,

And it makes us all part of the patriot game.



My name is O'Hanlon, and I've just turned sixteen.

My home is in Monaghan, and where I was weaned

I learned all my life cruel England's to blame,

So now I am part of the patriot game.



This Ireland of ours has too long been half free.

Six counties lie under John Bull's tyranny.

But still De Valera is greatly to blame

For shirking his part in the Patriot game.



They told me how Connolly was shot in his chair,

His wounds from the fighting all bloody and bare.

His fine body twisted, all battered and lame

They soon made me part of the patriot game.



It's nearly two years since I wandered away

With the local battalion of the bold IRA,

For I read of our heroes, and wanted the same

To play out my part in the patriot game.



And now as I lie here, my body all holes

I think of those traitors who bargained in souls

And I wish that my rifle had given the same

To those Quislings who sold out the patriot game.



Tune: One Morning In May, or God on Our Side

Copyright Clifford Music Co., Ltd.

@Irish @rebel

recorded by Owen McBride and by Judy Collins

see also PATGAME2

filename[ PATGAME1

RG

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