RISING OF THE MOON

“The Rising of the Moon” is a famous Irish ballad written by John Keegan “Leo” Casey

(1846-70), the “Fenian Poet”. The ballad takes the tune of another Irish ballad, “The

Wearing of the Green” and was first published in Casey’s 1866 collection of poems and

songs “A Wreath of Shamrocks”. The lyrics refer to the outbreak of the 1798 rebellion in

county Kildare as United Irish rebels convey the order to rise. The air of hope and

optimism associated with the ultimately doomed rebellion was intended to provide

inspiration for rebels “Who would follow in their footsteps” preparing to take to the field

in another doomed venture, the Fenian rebellion of 1867. Often sung by The Clancy

Brothers and Tommy Makem among others, the song remains popular and the tune

widely recognized in Ireland today as it is often taught in schools, played regularly at

official and sporting events and has been covered by a wide variety of musicians.

Come and tell me Sean O’Farrell tell me why you hurry so

Hush me boy, now hush and listen and his eyes were all aglow

I bear orders from the captain get you ready quick and soon

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

Come now tell me Sean O’Farrell where the gath’rin is to be

At the old spot by the river right well known to you and me

One more word for signal token whistle out the marchin’ tune

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

There beside the singing river that dark mass of men was seen

For above their shining weapons hung their own immortal green

Death to every foe and traitor! Forward strike the marching tune

And hurrah, my boys, for freedom, ’tis the rising of the moon

How well they fought for poor old Ireland

And for bitter was their fate

Oh what glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of ’98

Yes thank god while hearts are beating, each man bears a burning loom

We will follow in their footsteps at the rising of the moon

Banjo Mountain