Songtext The rising of the moon Paddy Schmidt

The rising of the moon

Tell me, tell me, Sean O´Farrell, tell me why you hurry so?"
"Hush mavoughal, hush and listen," and his face was all aglow
"I bear orders from the captain, get you ready quick and soon
With your pike upon your shoulder for the rising of the moon"

"Tell me, tell me, Sean O´Farrell, where the gatherin´ is to be?"
"Near the old spot by the river, right well known to you and me"
"One more thing, the signal token?" "Whistle up the marching tune
For our pikes must be together by the rising of the moon"

Out from many a mud-walled cabin, eyes were lookin´ through the night
Many a manly heart was throbin´ for the blessed morning light
A cry arose along the river, like some banshee´s mournful croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon

All along the shining river one black mass of men was seen
And above them in the night wind floated our immortal green
Death to every foe and traitor. Onward, strike the marching tune
And hurrah me boys for freedom, it´s the rising of the moon

Well they fought for dear old Ireland, and full bitter was their fate,
Oh what glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of ninety-eight.
But thank God e´en now are beating hearts in mankind´s burning noon,
Who will follow in their footsteps, at the rising of the moon