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