I was directed to this discussion by a friend......I am quite flattered that the song has sparked such debate.I spent much of my youth hunting around the fields of north Armagh and in turn I have a great love of the hunting songs in our tradition.Songs sung by the great ulster singers like Geordie Hanna and Sarah Makem would have influenced me in some form i am sure in the writing of this song.As for allegorical undertones -i will leave that for you to work out! Thanks a million for stopping by to have a listen.Barry......ps the above post by martin ryan seems to have the correct words