The Dubliners — The Patriot Game

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 This Ireland of ours has too long been half free Six counties lie under John Bull's tyranny But still 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 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 [extra verse I found] I don't mind a bit if I shoot down police They are lackeys for war never guardians of peace And yet at deserters I'm never let aim The rebels who sold out the patriot game And now as I lie 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