James Connolly - the song -

The Patriot Game

Come all you 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, I'm just gone sixteen,

My home is in Monaghan — there I was weaned.

I learned all my life cruel England to blame.

And so I'm a part of the Patriot Game.



It's barely a year since I wandered away

With the local battalion of the bold IRA

I read of our heros and wanted the same

To play up my part in the Patriot Game.

They told me how Connolly was shot in a chair

His wounds from the fighting all bleeding and bare.

His fine body twisted, all battered and lame

They soon made me part of the Patriot Game.



This Ireland of mine has for long been half free

Six Counties are under John Bull's monarchy.

But still De Valera is greatly to blame

For shirking his part in the Patriot Game.



I don't mind a bit if I shoot down police

They are lackeys for war, never guardians of peace.

But at deserters I'll never let aim

The rebels who sold out the Patriot Game.



And now as I lie with my body all holes

I think of those traitors who bargained and sold

I'm sorry my rifle has not done the same

For the quislings who sold out the Patriot Game.