Wearing of the Green

1798
A street ballad supporting the Irish Rebellion

Oh. Paddy dear and did you hear the news that’s goin’ round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground.
St. Patrick’s Day no more will keep his colour can’t be seen
For they hangin’ men and women for the wearing of the green.
I met with Napper tandy and he took me by the hand.
He said: “How’s dear old Ireland and how does she stand?”
She’s the most distressful country that you have ever seen
For they’re hanging men and women for the wearing of the green.