The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #41161   Message #593315
Posted By: Jon Freeman
15-Nov-01 - 12:07 PM
Thread Name: Which Irish Troubles Songs are Offensive
Subject: Lyr Add: THE PATRIOT GAME (Dominic Behan)
I have just noticed quite a few differences between the dt version and the one in "Ireland Sings" by Dominic Behan. The differences include the order of verses and the "I don't mind at all if I shoot down police" verse is missing from the dt. I would assume Ireland Sings is the correct version.

Jon


PATRIOT GAME
(Dominic Behan)

Come all you young rebels, and list while I sing,
For the love of one's land is a terrible thing.
It banishes fear with the speed of a flame,
And makes us all part of the patriot game.

My name is O'Hanlon, and I've just gone sixteen.
My home is in Monaghan, there I was weaned
I learned all my life cruel England to blame
And so I'm a part of the patriot game.

It's barely a year since I wandered away
With the local battalions of the bold IRA,
For I read of our heroes, and wanted the same
To play up my part in the patriot game.

They told me how Connolly was shot in a chair,
His wounds from the fighting all bloody and bare.
His fine body twisted, all battered and lame
They soon made me part of the patriot game.

This Ireland of ours has too long been half-free.
Six counties are under John Bull's Monarchy.
But still De Valera is greatly to blame
For shirking his part in the Patriot game.

I don't mind a bit if I shoot down police
They are lackeys for war never guardians of peace,
But at deserters I'm never let aim
The rebels who sold out the Patriot Game

And now as I lie with my body all holes
I think of those traitors who bargained in souls
I'm sorry my rifle has not done the same
For the Quislings who sold out the Patriot Game.