The ballad takes the tune of another Irish ballad, "The Wearing of the Green" and was first published in Casey's 1866 collection of poems and songs “A Wreath of Shamrocks". The lyrics refer to the outbreak of the 1798 rebellion in county Kildare 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 "Who would follow in their footsteps" preparing to take to the field in another doomed venture, the Fenian rebellion of 1867. The song remains popular and the tune widely recognised in Ireland today as it is often taught in schools, played regularly at official and sporting events and has been covered by a wide variety of musicians. The song is also referenced in the final line of the final entry of Bobby Sands hunger strike diary.
Poster Comment:
Now come tell me Sean O'Farrell
Tell me why you hurry so?
Hush a bhuachaill, hush and listen
And his cheeks were all aglow
I have orders from the captain
Get you ready quick and soon
For the pikes must be together
At the rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
The pikes must be together
At the rising of the moon
And come tell me Sean O'Farrell
Where the gatherin' is to be
At the old spot by the river
Quite well known to you and me
And by way of signal token
Whistle loud the marching tune
With your pike upon your shoulder
At the rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
With your pike upon your shoulder
At the rising of the moon
Out from many a mud wall cabin
Eyes were watching through the night
Many a manly heart was beating
For the blessed morning light
Murmurs ran along the valley
Like the banshee's lonely croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing
At the rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
A thousand pikes were flashing
At the rising of the moon
All along that singing river
A black mass of men was seen
And above their shining weapons
Hung their own beloved green
Death to every foe and traitor!
Whistle loud the marching tune
And Hurrah! me boys for freedom
'Tis the rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
And Hurrah! me boys for freedom
'Tis the rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
The rising of the moon
And Hurrah! me boys for freedom
'Tis the rising of the moon