The Patriot Game

[Verse 1]
Come all you young rebels, and list' while I sing
For love of one's land is a terrible thing
It banishes fear with the speed of a flame
And it makes us all part of the patriot game

[Verse 2]
My name is O'Hanlon, and I'm just gone sixteen
My home is in Monaghan, there I was weaned
I was taught all my life cruel England to blame
And so I'm a part of the patriot game

[Verse 3]
'Tis barely two years since I wandered away
With the local battalion of the bold IRA
I read of our heroes and wanted the same
To play up my part in the patriot game

[Verse 4]
They told me how Connolly was shot in a chair
His wounds from the battle all bleeding and bare
His fine body twisted, all battered and lame
They soon made me part of the patriot game

[Verse 5]
This Ireland of mine has for long been half-free
Six counties are under John Bull's monarchy
And still de Valera is greatly to blame
For shirking his part in the patriot game

[Verse 6]
I don't mind a bit if I shoot down police
They're lackeys for war, never guardians of peace
But yet at deserters I'm never let aim
Those rebels who sold out the patriot game

[Verse 7]
And now as I lie with my body of holes
I think of those traitors who bargained and sold
I'm sorry my rifle has not done the same
For the Quislings who sold out the patriot game