[Dm] "Oh then, tell me, Sean O' [F] FarreIl,
[Dm] tell me [C] why you [Bb] hurry [Am] so?"
[Dm] "Hush a while just hush and [F] listen,"
[F] and his [Am] cheeks were [C] all a-[Dm] glow:
"I bear orders [C] from the [Am] captain
[Dm] get you [F] ready [Bb] quick and [Am] soon;
[Dm] For the pikes must be to- [F] gether
at the [Am] risin' [C] of the [Dm] moon."
"Oh, then tell me, Sean O'Farrell, where the gath'rin is to be?"
"ln the old 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."
Out from many a mud wall cabin eyes were watching through that night;
Many a manly heart was throbbing for the blessed warning light.
Murmurs passed along the valleys, like the banshee's lonely croon.
And a thousand blades were flashing at the risin' of the moon.
There, beside the singing river, that dark mass of men was seen,
Far above the shining weapons hung their own beloved green.
"Death to every foe and traitor! Forward! Strike the marchin' tune,
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 fills the name of Ninety-Eight!
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!
by John Keegan Casey (Leo). Leo Casey (1846-1870) was proud of the efforts made by the United Irishmen of Longford and Westmeath in 1798. The "Singing River" is the Inny which flows into the Shannon from his native area between Mullingar and Ballymahon. These chords from Mel Bay Presents Songs of Ireland, 105 Favourite Irish and Irish-American songs by Jerry Silverman 1991