The traditional Irish song, "The Rising of the Moon," words written by John Keegan Casey in the 1860s to music from an older song. It's about the events of the failed Rebellion of 1798.

Thumbnail photo by Sean Vincent Biggins (seanbigginsphoto.com)

Rising of the Moon (words by J.K. Casey, music Turlough O'Carolan?)

And come tell me Sean O'Farrell tell me why you hurry so Husha buachaill hush and listen and his cheeks were all a glow I bear 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

And come tell me Sean O'Farrell where the gath'rin is to be At the old spot by the river quite 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

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 from many a mud wall cabin eyes were watching through the night Many a manly heart was beating for the blessed warning light Murmurs rang along the valleys to the banshees lonely 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 High above their shining weapons flew their own beloved green Death to every foe and traitor! Whistle out 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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