The Rapparee
James English | Michael O'Brien | Tom Brett | Seamus McGrathMy spurs are rusted, my coat is rent
My plume is damp with rain
And the thistledown and the barleybeard
Are thick on my horse’s mane
But my rifle’s as bright as my sweetheart’s eyes
My arm is strong and free
What care have I for your king or laws?
I’m an outlawed rapparee
Lift your glasses, friends, with mine
And give your hand to me
I’m Englands foe, I’m Irelands friend
I’m an outlawed rapparee
The mountain cavern is my home
High up in the crystal air
And my bed of limestone ironribbed
And the brown heath smelling fair
Let George or William only send
His troops to burn or loot
We’ll meet them up on equal ground
And we’ll fight them foot to foot
Lift your glasses, friends, with mine
And give your hand to me
I’m Englands foe, I’m Irelands friend
I’m an outlawed rapparee
Hunted from out our father’s home
Pursued by steel and shot
A bloody warfare we must wage
Or the gibbet be our lot
Hurrah! this war is welcome work
The hunted outlaw knows
He steps unto his country’s love
O’er the corpses of his foes
Lift your glasses, friends, with mine
And give your hand to me
I’m Englands foe, I’m Irelands friend
I’m an outlawed rapparee