Irish Rebel Songs For Tin Whistle

Here the list of the Irish rebel songs I have included in this ebook of sheet music tabs for the D tin whistle. These are the most popular Irish rebel songs of all time and have been sang and played for generations of Irish ballad singers and groups, such as The Wolfe Tones and The Irish Brigade.
There's 79 all time favorite ballads to play along to. The price of the ebook is €8.90.
€8.90
Farewell to Bellaghy
 Kevin Lynch / Harp without a crown
 Roll of honour
 The ballad of Gerard Casey
 The black watch
 The Fenian record player
 The warrior from West Belfast
 The woods of Drumbo
 When murder isn't murder
 Keiran's song
​ Freedom's walk
 Rifles of the I.R.A.
 The Black and Tan Gun
​  We're on the one road
  Take it down from the Mast
​  Provo's Lullaby
​The ballad of Lynch's rmy
Take me home to Mayo
Gra-Mo Chroi I Long To See Old Ireland Free Once More
The bold black and tans
General Hinry Munroe
Twenty men fromDublin Town
My last farewell
Let the people sing
Take Me Home To Mayo
​Bring Them Home
​That's how I spell Ireland
Big John Davey
The bold Black and Tan
Martin Hurson
Ballad of Kevin Murray And Paddy McDonnell
The Supergrass song
The Drumboe Martyrs
Bodenstown Churchyard
​The fighting men of Crossmaglen

Included below is an example of the kind of tabs within the ebook.

​Irish Rebel Music: An OverviewIrish rebel music is a genre of Irish folk music that celebrates, commemorates, and often romanticizes Ireland’s struggles for independence and freedom from British rule. Rooted in historical events and nationalist sentiment, the genre has evolved over centuries to include traditional ballads, modern folk, and even rock-influenced performances. It remains a powerful form of cultural expression, with songs that tell stories of rebellion, loss, and pride in Irish identity.

Themes of Irish Rebel Music
  1. Resistance and Rebellion:
    Many songs commemorate the Irish Rebellion of 1798, the Easter Rising of 1916, and the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). They often tell stories of brave men and women who fought and sacrificed for Irish freedom.
  2. Martyrdom and Sacrifice:
    Songs frequently honor those who died for the cause of Irish independence. Figures like Kevin Barry, Michael Collins, and Theobald Wolfe Tone are often celebrated as national heroes.
  3. Nostalgia and Exile:
    Some rebel songs focus on themes of longing for home, particularly among those who were forced to emigrate or were exiled due to their political affiliations.
  4. Pride in Irish Identity:
    Many rebel songs emphasize Irish culture, pride, and heritage, celebrating the resilience of the Irish people throughout their history of struggle and oppression.
  5. Anti-Oppression and Anti-Colonialism:
    There is a strong anti-imperialist undercurrent in many rebel songs, which criticize British rule and the suppression of Irish culture and language.

Historical Context
  • 1798 Rebellion:
    The earliest Irish rebel songs commemorate the failed rebellion led by the United Irishmen. Songs like "The Rising of the Moon" tell of this time of struggle and hope for change.
  • Easter Rising (1916):
    This pivotal event in Irish history inspired many songs, such as "The Foggy Dew", which recounts the bravery of the Irish Volunteers who fought in Dublin during the insurrection.
  • Irish War of Independence (1919-1921):
    Many songs from this period focus on guerilla warfare and the struggle for an Irish Republic. "Come Out Ye Black and Tans" criticizes the notorious British auxiliary forces who were sent to suppress the Irish rebellion.
  • Irish Civil War (1922-1923):
    The division over the Anglo-Irish Treaty also produced songs that reflected the political divide, with some supporting the Free State and others supporting the Anti-Treaty side.

Notable Irish Rebel Songs played on Tin Whistle
  1. "The Foggy Dew" – A haunting ballad about the Easter Rising of 1916.
  2. "Come Out Ye Black and Tans" – A defiant anthem criticizing British military forces in Ireland.
  3. "Kevin Barry" – A tribute to the young Irish martyr executed by the British in 1920.
  4. "The Men Behind the Wire" – Written in response to the internment of Irish republicans in Northern Ireland in the 1970s.
  5. "A Nation Once Again" – A rousing anthem calling for Irish independence, made popular by The Wolfe Tones.
  6. "The Fields of Athenry" – While not strictly a rebel song, this ballad about the Great Famine has become a symbol of Irish resilience.

Influential Performers of Irish Rebel Music
  • The Wolfe Tones:
    Perhaps the most famous Irish rebel band, known for songs like "Broad Black Brimmer", "Joe McDonnell", and "A Nation Once Again."
  • The Dubliners:
    While not exclusively a rebel band, they popularized many rebel songs with their traditional folk style while including the Tin Whistle..
  • Luke Kelly:
    A powerful voice in Irish folk music, Luke Kelly’s performances of "The Foggy Dew" and other rebel ballads are legendary.
  • Paddy Reilly:
    Known for his iconic rendition of "The Fields of Athenry," Paddy Reilly is a beloved figure in Irish music.

Controversy and Modern Perspectives
  • Political Divisions:
    Irish rebel music has been both celebrated and criticized due to its political nature. For some, it represents a proud history of resistance and self-determination. For others, it may evoke memories of conflict and division, especially in the context of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
  • Cultural Preservation:
    Despite its controversial elements, rebel music plays an important role in preserving Irish history and identity. It reflects the struggles and triumphs of the Irish people and continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
  • Contemporary Rebel Music:
    Modern artists have incorporated elements of rebel music into new genres, blending traditional ballads with rock, punk, and hip-hop influences to keep the spirit of the genre alive.

ConclusionIrish rebel music is a powerful expression of Ireland’s history, culture, and identity. With its themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and national pride, the genre continues to inspire and unite people across generations. Whether sung in a pub or performed on a grand stage, these songs carry the stories of Ireland’s past and its ongoing journey toward self-determination.
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