Big Al:
I think I explained it in my OP: I have always thought of this as an anti-war song, rather than an Irish Troubles song. I altered the lyrics to make this more about how young men are lured into going to war for concepts like "patriotism" as espoused by politicians and military leaders. My hope is that this lovely song will thereby reach a wider audience, beyond the "Sing an Irish Rebel Song" crowd.