The lyrics of this fine ballad will be stirring to all with rebel blood in their veins. It is based on the poem by Thomas Davis. The audio follows the lyrics.
The West’s Asleep
When all beside a vigil keep,
The West’s asleep, the West’s asleep –
Alas! and well may Éireann weep
When Connacht lies in slumber deep.
Her lake and plain smile fair and free,
‘Mid rocks her guardian chivalry.
Sing, Oh! let man learn liberty
From crashing wind and lashing sea.
That chainless wave and lovely land
Freedom and nationhood demand;
Be sure the great God never planned
For slumbering slaves a home so grand.
And once a mighty and haughty race
Had honoured and sentinelled the place.
Sing, Oh! not even her sons’ disgrace
Can quite destroy her glory’s trace.
For often, in Ó Connor’s van,
To triumph dashed each Connacht clan.
And fleet as deer the Normans ran
Through Corrsliabh Pass and Ardrahan;
And later times saw deeds as brave,
And glory guards Clanricard’s grave,
Sing, Oh! they died their land to save
From Aughrim’s slopes and Shannon’s wave.
And if, when all a vigil keep,
The West’s asleep! the West’s asleep!
Alas! and well may Éireann weep
When Connacht lies in slumber deep.
But, hark! a voice like thunder spake,
The West’s awake! the West’s awake!
Sing, Oh! hurrah! let England quake,
We’ll watch till death for Éireann’s sake.
Rebel Voice 