Come all ye young rebels, and list while I sing
For love of one's country is a terrible thing
It banishes fear like the speed of a flame
And it makes you all part of the patriot's game

My name is O'Hanlon, I've just gone sixteen
My home is in Monaghan, there I was weaned
I deigned whole o' my life cruel England to blame
So I am part of the patriot's game

It's barely two years since I wandered away
With the local battalion of the bold IRA
I've read of our heroes, I've wanted the same
For to play up my part in the patriot's game

This Ireland of ours has for long been half free
Six counties are under John Bull's tyranny
And most of our leaders are greatly to blame
For shirking their part in the patriot's game

They told me how Conn'lly was shot in his chair
His wounds from the battle all bleeding and bare
His fine body twisted, all tattered and lame
They soon made me part of the patriot's game

Now I am dying, my body all holes
I think of those traitors who bargained and soled
I'm sorry my rifle has not done the same
To the quislings who sold out the patriot's game

© Clifford Music. performed by The Dubliners. Written by Dominic Behan.