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FOLLOW ME UP TO CARLOW
-Patrick J. McCall ca. 1890
Melody dates from pre-1500's
Lift Mac Cahir Og your face, brooding o'er the old disgrace
That black FitzWilliam stormed your place, and drove you to the Fern
Grey said victory was sure, soon the firebrand he'd secure
Until he met at Glenmalure: Feach Mac Hugh O'Byrne!
CHORUS: Curse and swear, Lord Kildare! Feach will do what Feagh will dare
Now FitzWilliam, have a care! Fallen is your star, low!
Up with halberd, out with sword! On we go, for by the Lord,
Feach Mac Hugh has given his word: "Follow me up to Carlow!"
See the swords of Glen Imayle, flashing o'er the English Pale!
See all the children of the Gael beneath O'Byrne's banners!
Rooster of the fighting stock, would you let a Saxon cock
Crow out upon an Irish rock? Fly up and teach him manners!
From Tassagart to Clonmore flows a stream of Saxon gore
Och, great is Rory Og O'More at sending loons to Hades!
White is sick and Lane is fled, now for black FitzWilliam's head!
We'll send it over, dripping red, to Liza and her ladies!
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