The Dying Rebel Lyrics
Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe TonesMusic Video
The Dying Rebel
The night was dark and the fight was ended
The moon shone down O'Connell Street
I stood alone where brave men perished
Those men have gone, their God to meet
My only son was shot in Dublin
Fighting for his country bold
He fought for Ireland and Ireland glory
The harp and shamrock, green white and gold
The first I met was a grey haired father
Searching for his only son
I said, "Old man, there's no use searching
For up to heaven your son is gone"
My only son was shot in Dublin
Fighting for his country bold
He fought for Ireland and Ireland glory
The harp and shamrock, green white and gold
The old man cried out broken hearted,
Bending low I heard him say,
I knew my son was too kind hearted,
I knew my son would never yield.
My only son was shot in Dublin
Fighting for his country bold
He fought for Ireland and Ireland glory
The harp and shamrock, green white and gold
The last I met was a dying rebel
Bending low, I heard him say
"God bless my home in dear Cork City
And bless the cause for which I'll die"
My only son was shot in Dublin
Fighting for his country bold
He fought for Ireland and Ireland glory
The harp and shamrock, green white and gold
The harp, the shamrock, green white and gold
Song Details
✍️ Author: Traditional
📝 Song Brief:
A poignant street ballad that strips away the glory of war to reveal the raw human toll of the 1916 Easter Rising. Rather than a call to arms, the song is a mournful narrative where a passerby encounters a mortally wounded soldier from County Cork on the streets of Dublin. By focusing on the intimate tragedy of a dying son and the grief of the family left behind, the ballad serves as a somber reminder of the personal sacrifices made during the struggle for Irish independence.
- O’Connell Street: The main thoroughfare in central Dublin, named after Daniel O’Connell, a 19th‑century political leader.
- Dublin: The capital city of Ireland, known for its cultural, political, and historical importance.
- Cork City: A major city in the south of Ireland, often simply called “Cork.”
- Ireland’s glory: A poetic phrase used in songs and ballads to express pride in Ireland’s heritage, resilience, or cultural identity.
- Shamrock: A small three‑leafed clover traditionally associated with Ireland. It is widely used as a symbol of Irish identity and heritage.
🍀 Genre: Traditional Irish Ballad / Folk Song
👥 Covers: The Wolfe Tones, Shea Doolin, The Irish Brigade, Shamrog, The Liffeysiders, Damien Quinn, Flying Column, Athenrye.
🎤 Featured Artists: Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones
💿 Album: Let Ye All Be Irish Tonight
Released: May 5, 2013
Country: Ireland
Format: CD, Digital Album
Label: Warfield Music (Catalogue No. CD 004)
