In [G] nineteen hundred and sixteen,
The [C] Forces [D] of the [G] Crown,
For to Capture Orange, [Em] White and Green,
Bom[D]barded Dublin [G] Town,
But in twenty one, [Em] Britannia's huns,
Be[D]gan to earn their [G] pay,
When the Black and Tans, Like lightning ran
From the [C] rifles of the [D] IR[G]A
They burned their way through Munster
Laid Leinster on the rack,
Through Connaught and through Ulster,
Marched the men in brown and black,
Well, they cut down wives and children,
In their own heroic way,
The black and tans, like lightning ran
From the rifles of the IRA
They hanged young Kevin Barry high,
A lad of eighteen years,
Cork City`s flames lit up the sky,
But our brave boys new no fear.
The Cork Brigade with hand grenade
In ambush waiting lay,
And the black and tans, like lightning ran
From the rifles of the IRA
The tans were taken out and shot
By a brave and fearless few,
Sean Treacy, Denny, Lacey,
And Tom Barry`s famous crew,
Though we`re not free yet but we won`t forget
Until our dying day
When the black and tans like lightning ran
From the rifles of the IRA
