Hi there, folks!

The Makem Brothers are the sons of the legendary Irish musician, Tommy Makem. I believe they're currently working with the Spain Brothers.

This song is a rather sad one, although you wouldn't know it just by listening to it. It tells the tale of Henry Munro(They spell it Monroe. I honestly don't know which is correct), he led the United Irishman in the battle of Ballynahinch. After the battle he was betrayed, captured, hanged and decapitated in front of his own house. How delightful.. Anyway, enjoy the song.

It comes from the album "Who Fears to Speak 1798."

--Lyrics--

My name is George Campbell, at the age of 18,
I fought for old Erin, her rights to maintain.
Many's the battle I did undergo,
with the hero commander, brave General Monroe

Monroe took the mountains,
the boys took the fields,
He swore to these tyrants, he never would yield,
but the noise of their cannons neared on the soul,
"Fight on, my brave boys," cried General Monroe,

It was on a wide plain,
our hoes they did stand,
a full 13,000 was at their command,
their cavalry guarded by entrenchment, also,
but defeated they were by General Monroe.

There's a heath to lady Moira,
and long may she reign,
we fought our last battle all in her domain,
we fought the maid hours, beat them to-and-fro,(?)
commanded by the hero, brave General Monroe.

Monroe being tired, in want of a sleep,
gave a woman ten guineas his secret to keep,
but when she got the money, the devil tempted her so that she sent for the soldiers and surrendered Monroe.

Monroe, he was taken, he was placed in a hall,
it's for his dear life that those pirates did call,
they dare did condemn him and lead him away,
stuck his head on a high spear that very same day.

His last words to friends, as we did understand,
never to yield until they freed their land.
"Never be daunted at the strength of your foe,
till you claim your freed," cried General Monroe.

It's soon came his sister,
she was dressed all in green,
with a sword by her side that was both sharp and keen,
giving free hearty cheers and away she did go,
saying. "I'll have revenge for my brother Monroe!"

There's a health to each hero, for (?) freedom did stand.
May their souls rest in peace, those who died for our land,
remember the martyrs that were slain by the foe,
brave Emmet,(?) FitzGerald and Henry Monroe.

All ye good men who listen,
just think of the fate of the brave men who died in the year '98.
For our dear, soul(?) Ireland would be free long ago,
if our sons were all rebels like Henry Monroe.
If our sons were all rebels like Henry Monroe.
If our sons were all rebels like Henry Monroe. (less info)