The Patriot Game Lyrics

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 you all part of the patriot game

My name is O'Hanlon, and I've just gone sixteen
My home is in Monaghan, and there I was weaned
I was taught all my life cruel England's to blame,
So now I am part of the patriot game

It's barely 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

This Ireland of ours has too long been half free
Six counties lie under John Bull's tyranny And most of our leaders are greatly to blame
For shirking their part in the Patriot game

They told of how Connolly was shot in his chair,
The wounds from the fighting all bloody and bare
His fine body twisted, all battered and lame
And they soon made me part of the patriot game

And now I am dying, my body all holes
I think of those traitors who bargained in souls
I am sorry my rifle has not done the same
To those traitors who sold out the patriot game