Patriot Game - Dominic Behan (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins

Patriot Game - Dominic Behan (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins

"The Patriot Game", originally released in 1958, was written by Dominic Behan about an incident during the Border Campaign launched by the IRA during the 1950s. It tells the story of Fergal O'Hanlon, an IRA Volunteer from Monaghan Town, County Monaghan who was killed at the age of 20 in an attack on Brookeborough RIC barracks in County Fermanagh on January 1st, 1957, led by Seán Garland, an IRA man from Dublin and accompanied in his sacrifice by Seán South from Limerick, was also killed during the raid.

"Behan later became close friends with Seán Garland, officiating as the best man at Garland's wedding. Behan had been involved with the IRA before writing the song but he did not support the continuing campaign of the IRA at the time, and altered the first verse from his initial lyrics to distance himself from nationalism."

Lyrics (some admittedly altered from Behan's original set):
Come all ye young rebels and list while I sing
For love of one's country is a terrible thing
It banishes fear like the speed of a flame
And it makes you a part of the patriot's game

My name is O'Hanlon, I've just gone sixteen
My home is in Monaghan and where I was weaned
I've been told all my life cruel England's to blame
So I am part of the patriot's game

It's barely two years since I wandered away
With a local battalion of the bold IRA
I've read of our heroes, I've wanted the same
For the play out my part in the patriot's game

They told me how Connolly was shot in his chair
His wounds from the battle all bleeding and bare
His fine body twisted, all tattered and lame
They soon made me part of the patriot's game

This Ireland of ours has for long been half free
Six counties are under John Bull's tyranny
And most of our leaders are greatly to blame
For shirking their part in the patriot's game

Now as I lie here, my body all holes
I think of the traitors who bargained and sold
I'm wish that my rifle had given the same
For the Quislings who sold out the patriot game

[maxfieldstanton]

This is solid advice. When we decide to fight for the cause we should know who we stand behind and who we stand for, lest we become pawns in their "patriot game". It's so easy to get lost in propaganda and to lose your identity in the rise for the cause, you should never forget who you are and that no matter what the fight is for Sovereignty for all.

[FoxfirePoet]

I put this one off a while, because I knew it would be a rough one. But tonight, I had a couple drams and listened to this and, I'll be honest- I wept like a baby. I cried for a country in durance, I cried for Ireland's patriot dead, I cried for the British squaddies killed young and away from home, I cried for the civilians, and I cried for the young man I once was who believed in the Patriot Game.

Fine work, Seth. Damned fine work.

[khpredator]

Always a good day when Seth Watkins posts a new music video!

[gateway]

I just heard your Northwest Passage on Spotify, Epic.

[curtbarnes]

My new favorite version of this song. Like almost everything else Watkins records.

[sheamcelhone]

This is absolutely brilliant Luke Kelly would love it

[bbbartolo]

I was one who asked you to consider recording this! Let me believe that you saw it! ❤❤ I knew you'd make it your own! (And my new favorite version, of course.)

[persianprince]

Also, your voice would be amazing, covering "The Road Not Taken" by The High Kings. They just released it a few months ago, and it honors all the Irish fallen through war and by the great famine.

[mikki]

I grew up listening to this song. I'm old now but I also played a part in the patriot game for which I payed a price. I do not regret my part and only wish I could have done more. I'll always love the song and I congratulate the singer for this beautiful rendition.

[joku]

This broke me in tears.... Such a great performance!

[isaiahbasaldua]

a beautiful song and a great testament to the rebel spirit we must all carry so we can liberate humanity. A great soulful cover as always

[warrenschristiancomics]

One of the more obscure rebel songs but a welcome one for sure. Well done once again Seth my friend👍

P.S: This is my third attempt at requesting both “A Pound a Week Rise” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”. Would love to hear both of them from you. Enjoy your day.

[justpinkcandy]

Been waiting a long time for you to do this. Thanks.

[lperry]

Thank you for covering this song; I've loved it for years, and your version is fantastic!

[theflyers]

Most excellent song! I’ll leave a song request though, “Fire Marengo” the dreadnoughts sing it. Love your work man

[danishranger]

Love your singing! I always get excited a new one comes out and never once have I been disappointed😁

[persianprince]

Would love to hear you do another request for some rebel tunes with, "A nation once again"

[persianprince]

WOW! This was awesome Seth! Thank you so much for covering this song, little known. Listening on repeat now! ❤😊🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[zzqlpvq]

Wow, great version of one of my favourite songs .... I reckon you could do an amazing version of " the auld triangle" sang by luke kelly and the dubliners ...

[chenZhang-fxvi]

Here's a Health to the Company，Please！I think this song is perfect for you.🍷