Andy Irvine -- Michael Dyer's Escape(HD Audio)

Hey there, folks.

This song is about the United Irishmen "Michael Dwyer." Andy spells it Dyer, so that's how I spelled it, since it's his song. Dyer played quite a big role in the rebellion of 1798, and this song tells his tale. It doesn't cover everything, of course, but it does touch on some of his bigger exploits.

This comes from the album "Rude Awakening." Hope you like it!

--Lyrics--

Michael Dyer is my name, I'll not deny the same.
In the mountains of West Wicklow I was born.
I was in a a fight of late, with the men of '98, when we took (???) by storm.
When the rising was put down, we very quickly found
that in our own homes we could no longer dwell.
Ah, but many's a lonely caves, some form of comfort gave
and the people of these mountains know us well.

Well the snow was falling fast, and the night was far advanced
when the three safe houses came in view.
The weather was severe, but a guard was posted near,
though the dangers on this night seemed few.
But some sneaking little spy, to his master he did fly
and may I live to even up the score.
For it's when we awoke,
to be sure it was no joke to find 100 highland soldiers at the door.

"Come out, you rebel band!" Cried the captain in command,
"You do not have prayer, not a hope. Surrender to me now and your lives, I vow, will be spared the bullet n' the rope."
Says Dyer to his men, "Boys, here we are again, though I'm afraid this time it cannot be denied. It would take more than God's grace to defend this place from the regiment of soldiers outside."
The house was set on fire, with McAllister n' Dyer expecting to perish in the flame.
But the powder and the smoke, they were nearly overcome, crying a curse upon your bloody highland games.
From behind the stable wall, a well aimed musket ball caused McAllister pain he could not hide.
As his gun was blown away, he looked down with dismay at his arm hanging useless by his side.
He says, "Dyer, I'm down. Hand me up your gun, let's see what a spring you can make."
As he opened up the door, he gave one loud roar, "I die for my country's sake!"
The volley rang out, and Dyer sprang forth.
Poor Sam recieved the fire.
Oh, generous and brave, McAllister gave up his life for Michael Dyer.

Well, before they could reload, he was halfway down the road with a kilted scottsman snapping at his heels.
The troopers held their fire 'til they saw what might transpire.
The watched as Dyer tripped 'im in the field.
Running like a mountain goat, no trousers, no coat, his bare feet were bleeding to be sure.
As he crossed the black banks, he offered hearty thanks, and got safely to a cave in Glenmalure.

We lost three men that day, our captain got away and the others surrendered on the spot.
Three of them, alas, were hanged in Baltinglass, the others went before the firing squad.
Dyer fought the law, five years, maybe more, till at last, to Dublin he did go.
And from there, he set sale, bound for New South Wales, far from the County Wicklow.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Andy
• Irvine
• Rude
• Awakening
• Michael
• Dwyer
• Dyer
• Escape
• United
• Irishmen
• Rebellion
• 1798
• Folk
• Traditional

[Webendowed]

I have the cd in front of me and he clearly spelled it "Dwyer" ;)

[Lisnageeragh]

The Rebels Cave is among the crags high up on the north side of Glenmalure . It is not easy to find and there is a further inner chamber not obvious on a quick inspection.

[xNoTriggerx]

@CatholicKnight428 Thanks xD I even look like him a bit.

[xNoTriggerx]

found out Michael Dwyer is an ancestor of mine haha.

[Redstar226]

Love this song.

[Apendimax]

epic

[mickfolan]

Great post. Thanks for the up!!!!!!!

[smicker231]

Enniscorthy