Rifles Of The I.R.A.

In 19 hundred and 16 the forces of the crown

To take the orange white and green Bombarded Dublin town

But in 21 Britannia's sons were forced to earn their pay



Chorus

And the black and tans 

Like lightning ran 

From the rifles of the IRA



They burned their way through Munster and Laid Lienster on the rack 

In Caugnaught and in ulster march the men of brown and black 

They shot down wives and children in their own heroic way



Chorus



They hanged young Kevin Barry high a lad of 18 years 

Cork cities flames lit up the sky but the brave boys knew no fear

The cork brigade with hand grenades in ambush waiting lay



Chorus 



The tans were got taken out and shot by the brave and the valiant few

Sean Treacey, Denny Lacey  and Tom Barry's gallant crew

Though we're not free yet, we wont forget until our dying day 

 

How the black and tans like lightning ran

From the rifles of the IRA