Rising of the Moon

Written by John K. Casey, a Fenian poet from the mid 19th century and set to a Turlough O’Carolan melody, it tells the story of the rebel preparations for a battle during the Irish Rebellion of 1798 which pitted the United Irishmen, the Defenders and members of the French Navy against the British Crown forces. Famous Irish names such as Wolfe Tone, Henry Joy, Napper Tandy and even a young Robert Emmet were involved in this ill-fated uprising.

lyrics

Oh then tell me Sean O’Farrell
tell me why you hurry so
Husha buachaill hush and listen
and his cheeks were all a glow
I bare orders from the captain
get you ready quick and soon
For the pikes must be together
by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
For the pikes must be together
by the rising of the moon

Oh then tell me Sean O’Farrell
where the gathering is to be
At the old spot by the river
quite well known to you and me
One more word for signal token
whistle up the marchin’ tune
With your pike upon your shoulder
by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
With your pike upon your shoulder
by the rising of the moon

Out of many a mud wall cabin
eyes were watching through the night
Many a manly heart was beating
for the coming morning light
Murmurs rang along the valleys
like the bean-sidhe’s lonesome croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing
by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
And a thousand pikes were flashing
by the rising of the moon

All along that singing river
that black mass of men was seen
Far above their shining weapons
hung their own beloved green
Death to every foe and traitor!
Whistle up the marching tune
And hurrah, me boys, for freedom,
’tis the rising of the moon

‘Tis the rising of the moon, ’tis the rising of the moon
And hurrah, me boys, for freedom,
’tis the rising of the moon

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lyrics