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The Dying Rebel

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Cmajor

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[Verse 1]
The Cnight was dark, and the fFight was Cover,
The mCoon shone dFown O'Connell StCreet,
I Amstood aClone, where bFrave men pCerished
Those Cmen have Ggone, their GFod to Cmeet.
[Chorus]
My Conly son was Fshot in CDublin,
FigChting for hiFs country Cbold,
HAme fought Cfor Ireland, Fand IrelaCnd only,
The HCarp and ShGamrock, GreenF, WhitCe and Gold.
[Verse 2]
The Cfirst I met was a grey-hFaired fatCher
SeaCrching for his Fonly Cson,
I Amsaid "OCld man, thereF's no use Csearching
For uCp to heaveGn, your son hFas gonCe".
[Chorus]
My Conly son was Fshot in CDublin,
FigChting for hiFs country Cbold,
HAme fought Cfor Ireland, Fand IrelaCnd only,
The HCarp and ShGamrock, GreenF, WhitCe and Gold.
[Verse 3]
The Cold man cried out bFroken heaCrted
BenCding o'er I hFeard him Csay:
"AmI knew mCy son was too Fkind hearCted,
I kneCw my son wGould never yiFeld".C  
[Chorus]
My Conly son was Fshot in CDublin,
FigChting for hiFs country Cbold,
HAme fought Cfor Ireland, Fand IrelaCnd only,
The HCarp and ShGamrock, GreenF, WhitCe and Gold.

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

"The Dying Rebel" tells a poignant story of loss and unwavering conviction, set against the backdrop of the Irish struggle. Through the eyes of a grieving parent, we feel the weight of a son shot in Dublin, yet there's a fierce pride in knowing he would "never yield." This song, performed by Flying Column – a Belfast folk group named after the Irish Republican Army's active service units – embodies the spirit of the Irish rebel ballads and traditional songs they were known for. It’s a powerful reflection on sacrifice and the enduring human spirit in the face of conflict.

AI-written from these sources:Flying Column (music group) — Wikipedia ↗

Story time

The Dying Rebel

The Dying Rebel

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The Dying Rebel

by Flying Column

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Verse 1]

C F C

The night was dark, and the fight was over,

C F C

The moon shone down O'Connell Street,

Am C F C

I stood alone, where brave men perished

C G F C

Those men have gone, their God to meet.

[Chorus]

C F C

My only son was shot in Dublin,

C F C

Fighting for his country bold,

Am C F C

He fought for Ireland, and Ireland only,

C G F C

The Harp and Shamrock, Green, White and Gold.

[Verse 2]

C F C

The first I met was a grey-haired father

C F C

Searching for his only son,

Am C F C

I said "Old man, there's no use searching

C G F C

For up to heaven, your son has gone".

[Chorus]

C F C

My only son was shot in Dublin,

C F C

Fighting for his country bold,

Am C F C

He fought for Ireland, and Ireland only,

C G F C

The Harp and Shamrock, Green, White and Gold.

[Verse 3]

C F C

The old man cried out broken hearted

C F C

Bending o'er I heard him say:

Am C F C

"I knew my son was too kind hearted,

C G F C

I knew my son would never yield".

[Chorus]

C F C

My only son was shot in Dublin,

C F C

Fighting for his country bold,

Am C F C

He fought for Ireland, and Ireland only,

C G F C

The Harp and Shamrock, Green, White and Gold.

About The Dying Rebel Chords by Flying Column

Learn how to play The Dying Rebel by Flying Column with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Dying Rebel chords”, “The Dying Rebel guitar chords”, or “Flying Column The Dying Rebel chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Dying Rebel chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Dying Rebel lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, F, Am, G.

FAQ — The Dying Rebel by Flying Column

How do I play "The Dying Rebel" by Flying Column on guitar?

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Can I see chord diagrams for "The Dying Rebel"?

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Is "The Dying Rebel" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "The Dying Rebel" in?

The chords for "The Dying Rebel" show the original chord names (including C, F, Am, G). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.