The Rising of the Moon

We watched an old Irish film tonight, ( 1957) based on a play "The Rising of the Moon."
It was a story about "the troubles" in the early 20's, filmed in Galway.  It was beautiful, just a short thirty minutes or so, directed by American John Ford.  There were not any famous actors, it was in black and white,  but it is based loosely on an Irish folk song that was written to inspire the fight against the Black and Tans.

The Rising of The Moon,  words by J.K. Casey, music Turlough O'Carolan

And come tell me Sean O'Farrell tell me why you hurry so
Husha buachaill hush and listen and his cheeks were all a glow
I bare orders from the captain get you ready quick and soon
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon

And come tell me Sean O'Farrell where the gath'rin is to be
At the old spot by the river quite well known to you and me
One more word for signal token whistle out the marchin' tune
With your pike upon your shoulder by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
With your pike upon your shoulder by the rising of the moon

Out from many a mud wall cabin eyes were watching through the night
Many a manly heart was beating for the blessed warning light
Murmurs rang along the valleys to the banshees lonely croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon

By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the moon

All along that singing river that black mass of men was seen
High above their shining weapons flew their own beloved green
Death to every foe and traitor! Whistle out the marching tune
And hurrah, me boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon

'Tis the rising of the moon, 'tis the rising of the moon

And hurrah, me boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon

Sorry, watching the film just brought the Irish out in me tonight, and the song is so hauntingly beautiful.
There is a recording of Peter, Paul and Mary singing The Rising of the Moon, you might want to take a listen sometime.