Wolfe Tone

Born in occupied Dublin town, as the sun shone down on tyranny
Wolfe Tone grew up a privileged man, receiving a Trinity college degree
He despaired for his fellow countrymen under the rule of the British crown
When they rose up to claim their land, the British always beat them down

The society of (united) Irishmen he founded in 1791
They called for freedom from the crown. They wanted justice to be done
Outlawed they were for their noble views. Wolfe Tone was exiled from his land
All talk of freedom and liberty was forbidden and completely banned

He fought the fight he knew was right
For liberty he would give his life
His cause was just, his reasons fair:
To free poor Eireann from despair

In Paris he got the support he craved: troops and supplies to aid his fight!
The French would help the Irish cause; the flame of hope was burning bright
But not for long I'm sad to say, the British knew both where and when
Their spies had told them all and more; this rebellion failed again!

Peasants armed with farming tools, filled with honour, strength and pride
Faced the might of British steel. Thirty thousand Irish died
Wolfe Tone was captured. He cut his throat; he used his own kitchen knife
"After such heroic a sacrifice, it is no great effort to add my life."

He fought the fight he knew was right
For liberty he would give his life
His cause was just, his reasons fair:
To free poor Eireann from despair