"The Rising of the Moon" is an Irish ballad, written by John Keegan Casey (1846-1870), inspired by the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The song refers to the outbreak of the rebellion, 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 preparing to take to the field in another rebellion, the Fenian rebellion of 1867.
Lyrics:
"Oh, then tell me, Seán O'Farrell, tell me why you hurry so?"
"Hush a búacaill, 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 at the risin' of the moon."
at the risin' of the moon, at the risin' of the moon,
for the pikes must be together at the risin' of the moon.
"Oh, then tell me, Seán O'Farrell, Where the gatherin' is to be?"
"In the ould spot by the river, Right well known to you and me.
One more word—for signal token, whistle up the marchin' tune,
with your pike upon your shoulder, by the risin' of the moon."
By the risin' of the moon, by the risin' of the moon,
With your pike upon your shoulder, by the risin' of the moon.
Out from many a mudwall cabin eyes were watching through the night,
Many a manly heart was beating for the blessed morning light.
Murmurs ran along the valleys like the banshee's lonely croon,
And a thousand blades were flashing at the risin' of the moon.
At the risin' of the moon, at the risin' of the moon,
And a thousand blades were flashing at the risin' of the moon.
There beside the singing river that dark mass of men was seen,
High above their shining weapons flew their own beloved green.
"Death to ev'ry foe and traitor! Forward! Strike the marchin' tune,
and hurrah, my boys, for freedom! 'Tis the risin' of the moon."
'Tis the risin' of the moon, 'tis the risin' of the moon,
and hurrah my boys for freedom! 'tis the risin' of the moon.
Well they fought for poor old Ireland, and full bitter was their fate
Oh, what glorious pride and sorrow fill the men of 98'
Yet, thank God, e'en still are beating hearts in manhood's burning noon,
who would follow in their footsteps, at the risin' of the moon!
At the rising of the moon, at the risin' of the moon,
Who would follow in their footsteps, at the risin' of the moon.
