Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
There was a man lived in the North a hero brave and bold
Who robbed the wealthy Landlords of their sliver and their gold
He gave the money to the poor to pay their rent and fee
Count Redmond O’Hanlon the gallant rapparee
Chorus:
Then Hurrah for Count O’Hanlon, Redmond O’Hanlon
Hurrah for Count O’Hanlon, the gallant rapparee
He had a noble big black horse that was his joy and pride
A brace of loaded pistol he carried at his side
He roamed the hills and valleys, with a spirit wild and free
Count Redmond O’Hanlon the gallant rapparee
Chorus
Twas high upon Slieve Gullion Brae’s he used to ply his trade
And Squire Johnson from the Fews this handsome offer made
He said, “I’ll give 100 pounds to hang him from a tree.”
But not a man in all the land would sell the rapparee
Chorus
They sent the soldiers after him to try and bring him back
But O’Hanlon only laughed at them upon the mountain’s track
And while the soldiers slept that night upon the mountain gorse
He stole their guns and road away upon his noble horse
Chorus
Twas back in 1681 when Count O’Hanlon died
And still along Slieve Gullion slopes they speak of him with pride
And anyone will tell you from Rathfriland to Forkhill
That in the silence of the night you’ll see him riding still
Chorus
Chorus