The sleeve of The Wolfe Tones 'Live-Alive Oh' holds VBrian Warfield of The Wolfe Tones responsible for the lyrics. An earlier recording carries these notes:
[1974:] This tune, revived by Sean O'Riada, was originally a composition of the blind Derry harpist Rory 'Dall' O'Cathain. He wrote it while on a visit to Scotland where he had a disagreement with a Lady Eglingtoun. He composed the tune for her when she apologized. Brian's words are directed at the disagreements between the two peoples in Ireland today. (Notes Wolfe Tones, 'Till Ireland A Nation')