"The Rising of the Moon" is a ballad about a battle between the United Irishmen, led by Wolfe Tone, against British forces during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Even if you don't know the lyrics of this Irish song, you may recognize the tune as the more familiar "The Wearing of the Green."
A vocabulary note: "The Irish Gaelic word mbuachaill (meaning "boy" after certain prepositions) is pronounced approximately moo-khill or mwukh-ill."
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
"And come tell me Sean O'Farrell, tell me why you hurry so"
"Hush, mbuachaill, hush and listen," and his cheeks were all aglow
"I bear orders from the captain, get you ready quick and soon
For the pikes must be together at the rising of the moon"
[Chorus]
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon
For the pikes must be together at the rising of the moon
[Verse 2]
"And come tell me Sean O'Farrell, where the gathering 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 marching tune
With your pike upon your shoulder at the rising of the moon"
[Chorus]
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon
With your pike upon your shoulder at the rising of the moon
[Verse 3]
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 banshee's lonely croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon
[Chorus]
By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon
[Verse 4]
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
[Chorus]
'Tis the rising of the moon, 'tis the rising of the moon
And hurrah, me boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon
Video Links
Na Casaidigh with the popular Irish song about the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland. Na Casaidigh or The Cassidys are a traditional Irish family band from the Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore) Gaeltacht in County Donegal.
Peter, Paul & Mary: this version uses a different tune, so it is probably best saved for extra listening.
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