The Patriot Game (Live in The Concert Hall, Cecil Sharp House 12/4/1964)

The Patriot Game - The Dubliners

Written by：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 you a part of the patriot game

My name is o'hanlon and I've just turned sixteen

My home is in monaghan where I was weaned

I learned all my life cruel England to blame

So now I am part of the patriot game

It's nearly two years since I wandered away

With the local battalion of the bold ira

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

For the 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 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

Now I am doing 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