American Old Time Song Lyrics: 03 Odonnell Abu

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 3

ODONNELL ABU
Composed by M. J. M'Cann.

Proudly the note of the trumpet is sounding,
Loudly the war-cries arise on the gale,
Fleetly the steed by Loc Suilig is bounding,
To join the thick squadrons in Saimear's green vale.
On, every mountaineer,
Strangers to flight and fear;
Rush to the standard of dauntless Red Hugh!
Bonnought and Gallowglass,
Throng from each mountain pass!
On for old Erin-O'Donnell abu!

Princely O'Neill to our aid is advanciag,
With many a chieftain and warrior-clan;
A thousand proud steeds in his vanguard are prancing,
'Neath the borders brave from the banks of the Bann;
Many a heart shall quail
Under its coat of mail;
Deeply the merciless tyrant shall rue
When on his ear shall ring,
Borne on the breeze's wing,
Tyrconnell's dread war-cry-O'Donnell abu!

Wildly o'er Desmond the war wolf is howling,
Fearless the eagle sweeps over the plain,
The fox in the streets of the city is prowling,
All-all who would scare them are banished or slain!
Grasp, overy stalwart hand,
Hackbut and battle-brand-
Pay them all back the deep debt so long due;
Norris and Clifford well
Can of Tir-Conaill tell-
Onward to glory-O'Donnell abu!

Sacred the cause that Clan-Conaill's defending-
The alters we kneel at and homes of our sires;
Ruthless the ruin the foe is extending-
Midnight is red with the plunderer's fires!
On with O'Donnell, then,
Fight the old fight again,
Sons of Tir-Conaill all valiant and true;
Make the false Saxon feel
Erin's avenging steel!
Strike for your country!-O'Donnell abu!