the patriot game

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. 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. this ireland of ours has too long been half free. six counties lie under john bull's tyranny. but most of our leaders are greatly to blame

for shirking his part in the patriot game. they told me how connolly was shot in his chair

the wounds from his battle all bleeding and bare. his fine body twisted

all battered and lame

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 ones soul

i'm sorry my rifle had not done the same

to traitors who sold out the patriot's game.