What a great discussion, ranging far from the original question to matters of cosmic imprtance. As an old NY folkie I was introduced to Irish songs by the Clancy Brothers, and then began to read voraciously about Irish history and literature, most of which I've forgotten by now -- but not the song lyrics! I find that a regular part of my shower repertoire is "O'Donnell Abou," which I belive came a close second in the ballotting when a choice was to be made for the Republic's national anthem. It features the exhortation to "make every Saxon feel Erin's avenging steel." I've yet to find a young Irishman in Wakefield or along McLean Avenue who ever heard of the song or Red Hugh O'Donnell, but there seems still to be enough of the vengeful sentiment, without the anthem. But our "Star Spangled Banner' certainly evokes our War of 1812 and the last time our territory was invaded by a foreign army, and we manage to maintain strong bonds with the Brits. Tommy Makem who suffered at the hands of the IRA for refusing to be coopted to their violent cause, has expressed his regrets about some of the inflamatory words of his classic "Four Green Fields," which was also touted for anthem status at one time. My heart has been lifted with my voice when a like-minded crowd has roared out a song of protest, action or peace, but I can't recall anyone marching into battle singing -- but I'm not old enough to remember "The Marseillaise" or "John Brown's Body." Thanks to all for getting me thinking.