I have always thought of The Patriot Game as an anti-war song more than an Irish Rebel song. The singer lies dying because of the urgings of others to believe in the "Patriot Game", which they don't believe in themselves.

I have therefore taken liberties with Mr. Behan's lyrics to make this more in line with my interpretation:

Come all ye young soldiers, and list while I sing,
For the love of one's country is a terrible thing.
It banishes fear with the speed of a flame,
And it makes us all part of the Patriot Game.

My name is O'Hanlon, and I've just gone sixteen.
My home is in Monaghan, and where I was weaned
I learned all my life other people to blame,
And so I'm a part of the Patriot Game.

This country of ours has long claimed to be free.
While most other nations bleed from tyranny.
So we gave up our boyhood to drill and to train
To play our own part in the Patriot Game.

It's nearly two years since I wandered away
With the local battalion, all men who obey,
For I read of our heroes, and I wanted the same;
To play out my part in the Patriot Game.

And now as I lie here, my body all holes
I think of the leaders who bargained in souls
And I wish that my rifle had given the same
To those traitors who sold out the Patriot Game.