The Hound of Ulster II (Cú Chulainn's Song)

Oh, gather 'round me, lads and maids, and hear a tale so bold Of Ulster’s fiercest warrior, in legends long foretold Born of gods and mortal blood, with spear and shield so grand Cú Chulainn, the hound of war, the bravest in the land Sing hey! Sing ho! Raise your voices high! For the Hound of Ulster, who’ll never say die! Through battle and glory, through fire and rain His name shall live, again and again! With Setanta’s heart, so wild and free, he took the hound’s own name For slaying Culann’s mighty beast, he rose to boundless fame With Gáe Bulg in his mighty hand, his foes did fall like rain None could stand against his wrath, nor break his iron chain Sing hey! Sing ho! Raise your voices high! For the Hound of Ulster, who’ll never say die! Through battle and glory, through fire and rain His name shall live, again and again! He stood alone at Emain Macha, ‘gainst warriors fierce and strong Defending Ulster’s sacred halls, through night and battle long His ríastrad burned like blazing fire, his enemies took flight Yet fate was cruel, and in the end, he met his final fight Sing hey! Sing ho! Raise your voices high! For the Hound of Ulster, who’ll never say die! Through battle and glory, through fire and rain His name shall live, again and again! They bound him fast against a stone, his sword held in his hand And even dead, none dared approach, such was his last stand But though he fell, his name remains, in song and story bright For Cú Chulainn walks among us still, when heroes rise to fight Sing hey! Sing ho! Raise your voices high! For the Hound of Ulster, who’ll never say die! Through battle and glory, through fire and rain His name shall live, again and again! Yo-ho! Raise the banners high! For the Hound of Ulster, who’ll never say die! Through blood and thunder, through sword and flame The bards shall sing his mighty name!