Tia Blake’s rendition of "The Rising of the Moon" appears on her 1971 album Folksongs & Ballads, recorded in Paris with her folk group when she was just nineteen. The album is a collection of traditional folk songs interpreted with minimalist, haunting arrangements and Blake’s gentle, evocative voice12.
About the Song
"The Rising of the Moon" is a classic Irish ballad written by John Keegan Casey in the mid-19th century, commemorating the 1798 Irish Rebellion led by the United Irishmen against British rule32. The lyrics recount the call to arms for Irish rebels to gather by the river at the rising of the moon, ready to fight for Ireland’s freedom. Though the rebellion ultimately failed, the song’s hopeful and defiant spirit became an anthem for Irish resistance and has been widely covered by folk artists over the years3.
Tia Blake’s Interpretation
Blake’s version is noted for its understated, melancholic beauty. Her voice is described as haunting and unaffected, wrapping the listener in a cool, comforting embrace1. The arrangement is spare—primarily acoustic guitar with subtle accompaniment—allowing the narrative and Blake’s emotional delivery to take center stage1. Reviewers highlight the way she captures the song’s sorrow and pride, especially in lines reflecting on the rebels’ fate and the enduring hope for Irish freedom.
Historical and Cultural Context
The ballad’s enduring popularity in Ireland is due to its role as both a commemoration of past struggles and an inspiration for future generations3. It is taught in schools, performed at official events, and remains a staple of the Irish folk repertoire, with Tia Blake’s version offering a uniquely intimate and reflective take on the classic31.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Tia Blake |
| Album | Folksongs & Ballads (1971) |
| Songwriter | John Keegan Casey |
| Theme | 1798 Irish Rebellion, resistance, hope, remembrance |
| Arrangement | Minimalist, acoustic folk |
| Notable Features | Haunting vocals, emotional restraint, historical narrative |
| Legacy | Irish folk standard, widely covered, Blake’s version praised for subtlety |
Summary
Tia Blake’s "The Rising of the Moon" is a quietly powerful interpretation of a foundational Irish ballad. With her delicate voice and minimalist arrangement, Blake honors the song’s themes of resistance, loss, and enduring hope, offering a version that is both timeless and deeply personal13.
