"Follow Me Up to Carlow" is an Irish folk song celebrating the defeat of 3,000 English soldiers by Fiach (Feach) McHugh O'Byrne at the Battle of Glenmalure, during the Second Desmond Rebellion in 1580. It is notable as one of the most graphically violent of all Irish folk songs, containing lines such as " From Tassagart to Clonmore, there flows a stream of Saxon gore... " and " ...now for Black FitzWilliam's head, we'll send it over dripping red, to Queen Liza and her ladies. " It has been performed by numerous Irish folk bands, notably Planxty, on their debut album, which is often recognised as the definitive recording.

Follow Me Up To Carlow Lyrics written by P. J. McCall (1861–1919). Traditionally arranged by Richie Kavanagh. The air is reputed to have first been performed by the pipers of Feagh MacHugh in 1580.

Lyrics

Lift MacCahir Og your face
Brooding o'er the old disgrace
That black FitzWilliam stormed your place,
Drove you to the Fern
Grey said victory was sure
Soon the firebrand he'd secure;
Until he met at Glenmalure
With Feach MacHugh O'Byrne.

Curse and swear Lord Kildare,
Feach will do what Feach will dare
Now FitzWilliam, have a care
Fallen is your star, low.
Up with halberd out with sword
On we'll go for by the lord
Feach MacHugh has given the word,
Follow me up to Carlow.

See the swords of Glen Imayle,
Flashing o'er the English pale
See all the children of the Gael,
Beneath O'Byrne's banners
Rooster of the fighting stock,
Would you let a Saxon cock
Crow out upon an Irish rock,
Fly up and teach him manners.

From Tassagart to Clonmore,
There flows a stream of Saxon gore
Oh, great is Rory Oge O'More,
At sending loons to Hades.
White is sick and Lane is fled,
Now for black FitzWilliam's head
We'll send it over, dripping red,
To Liza and her ladies.