The Rising of the Moon Lyrics
Just Irish MusicMusic Video
The Rising of the Moon
Oh then tell me Sean O'Farrell, tell me why you hurry so
Hush a bhuachaill, 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 by the rising of the moon
By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon
Oh then tell me Sean O'Farrell, where the gathering is to be
In the old spot by the river right well known to you and me
One more word for signal token, whistle up the marching tune
With your pike upon your shoulder by the rising of the moon
By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
With your pike upon your shoulder by the rising of the moon
Out from many a mud walled cabin eyes were watching through that night
Many a manly heart was throbbing for that blessed warning light
Murmurs passed along the valley like a banshee's lonely croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon
By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon
Down the long young singin' river, that dark mass of men were seen
High above their shining weapons floats their own beloved green
Death to every foe and traitor, forward strike the marching tune
And hoorah me boys for freedom 'tis the rising of the moon
'Tis the rising of the moon, 'tis the rising of the moon
And hoorah me boys for freedom 'tis the rising of the moon
Well they fought for poor old Ireland and full bitter was their fate
Oh what glorious pride and sorrow filled the name of ninety eight
But yet thank God there's beating hearts in men that's burning new
Who will follow in their footsteps by the rising of the moon
'Tis the rising of the moon, 'tis the rising of the moon
And hoorah me boys for freedom 'tis the rising of the moon
[Instrumental]...
Song Details
✍️ Lyricist: John Keegan Casey (1846–70) - Irish poet, orator and republican. The ballad as written as a poem, and based on the failed 1798 uprising in Granard, County Longford.[
📅 First Published in: John Keegan Casey's 1866 collection of poems and songs, A Wreath of Shamrocks.
📝Song Brief:
The song commemorates the Irish Rebellion of 1798, when Irish United Irishmen rose against British rule. Set to the air of the traditional tune “The Wearing of the Green,” the ballad vividly depicts pikemen gathering at nightfall, summoned by whispered calls and the promise that “the rising of the moon” would signal the moment of rebellion. Though the uprising ultimately failed, the song preserves the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and national identity associated with the 1798 rebels.
- Bhuachaill: boy or lad
- pikes: long wooden poles fitted with a sharp metal spearhead at the end, used as infantry weapons from medieval times through the 18th century
- Banshee: “woman of the fairy mound” or “woman of the otherworld.” In Irish folklore, a banshee is a supernatural female spirit whose mournful wailing is said to foretell death in certain Irish families. Her cry — sometimes described as keening — was believed to warn that someone nearby would soon pass away.
- croon: a soft, eerie, mournful song or lament,
🍀 Genre: Irish Rebel Song
👥 Covers: The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, The High Kings, Luke kelly, Shane MacGowan...
💿 Featured Artists: Just Irish Music - a youtube channel dedicated to reviving powerful traditional Irish ballads, soulful Celtic melodies, & stirring songs of rebellion, love, myth, and memory. Their music echoes the land, language, and spirit of Éire, featuring original compositions, ancient poems revived, & timeless tales retold through song.
▶️ Series: Ireland Under the Crown - Volume One - Traditional 17th and 18th century Irish ballads of persecution, endurance and fighting back — from gaols and gallows, informers and exiles, quiet defiance and open rebellion.
