Rising of the Moon Lyrics and Chords

The lyrics to The Rising of the Moon were written by John Keegan Casey in or around 1865.

Rising of the Moon
Casey imprisoned for supporting Fenians
Rising of the Moon Videos
John Keegan Casey

Most Irish performers sing it to the tune of the Wearing of The Green. That is the version given here. Some American singers, however, such as Judy Collins and Peter, Paul and Mary sing the words to an older, less well-known Irish melody. We hope to give the chords to that version soon.

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The chorus changes each time to include the final line of the previous verse.

The chords are given here in C Major – the key used for this song by Shane MacGowan and the Popes. The Clancys played the song in D Flat major, which means they almost certainly put a capo on the first fret and played the C chords shown below.

Click here for print version

The Dubliners featuring Luke Kelly on lead vocals performed the song in D Major. Place the capo on the second fret if you want to play in D using the chords listed here.

The Rising of the Moon – lyrics and chords

[wpchords]
Oh [C]then tell me Sean O’Farrell, tell me [G7]why you hurry so,
[F]Hush me bhuachaill, hush and[C]listen, and his [G7]cheeks were all a[C]glow,
[C]I bring orders from the Captain, get you [G7]ready quick and soon
For the [F]pikes must be to[C]gether at the [G7]rising of the [C]moon.

Chorus
By the rising of the moon, by the [G7]rising of the moon
The [F]pikes must be to[C]gether at the [G7]rising of the [C]moon.[/wpchords]

 

Oh then tell me Sean O’Farrell where the gathering is to be,
At the old spot by the river quite well known to you and me.
And by way of signal token whistle up the marching tune.
With pike upon your shoulder at the rising of the moon.

From many a mud wall cabin eyes were watching through the night.
Many a manly heart was beating for the blessed morning light.
Murmurs ran along the valley like the banshees lonely croon,
And a thousand pikes a flashing at the rising of the moon.

There beside the singing river a black mass of men was seen,
And above their shining weapons hung their own beloved green.
Death to every foe and traitor, whistle loud the marching tune,
Hurrah! me boys for freedom, ’tis the rising of the moon.

Well they fought for poor old Ireland and full bitter was their fate.
Oh what glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of 98.
Yet, thank God, while hearts are beating in manhood’s burning noon
We will follow in the footsteps at the rising of the moon.

Both The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners tended to omit the final verse when they sang The Rising of the Moon.

This may have been just for reasons of time, but it may also have been to avoid referring to the fact that the rebellion was defeated.

Rising of the Moon
Casey imprisoned for supporting Fenians
Rising of the Moon Videos
Lyrics and Chords
John Keegan Casey

The Rising of the Moon print version

Oh [C]then tell me Sean O’Farrell, tell me [G7]why you hurry so,
[F]Hush me bhuachaill, hush and[C]listen, and his [G7]cheeks were all a[C]glow,
[C]I bring orders from the Captain, get you [G7]ready quick and soon
For the [F]pikes must be to[C]gether at the [G7]rising of the [C]moon.

Chorus
By the rising of the moon, by the [G7]rising of the moon
The [F]pikes must be to[C]gether at the [G7]rising of the [C]moon.

Oh then tell me Sean O’Farrell where the gathering is to be,
At the old spot by the river quite well known to you and me.
And by way of signal token whistle up the marching tune.
With pike upon your shoulder at the rising of the moon.

From many a mud wall cabin eyes were watching through the night.
Many a manly heart was beating for the blessed morning light.
Murmurs ran along the valley like the banshees lonely croon,
And a thousand pikes a flashing at the rising of the moon.

There beside the singing river a black mass of men was seen,
And above their shining weapons hung their own beloved green.
Death to every foe and traitor, whistle loud the marching tune,
Hurrah! me boys for freedom, ’tis the rising of the moon.

Well they fought for poor old Ireland and full bitter was their fate.
Oh what glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of 98.
Yet, thank God, while hearts are beating in manhood’s burning noon
We will follow in the footsteps at the rising of the moon.

Rising of the Moon
Casey imprisoned for supporting Fenians
Rising of the Moon Videos
Lyrics and Chords
John Keegan Casey