The raid took place on a warm summer's nightRebels commandeered the Nafi, the store was set alightThe fire burned wild, flames roared down uponThe Doran family in the darkness before the dawnBill Doran ran outside as the stairwell fell apartBridget held her daughter Katie close to her heartShe dropped the baby down to Bill and went back in for their son JohnScreams rang out in the darkness before the dawnWhen the top floor caved in, John and Bridget diedWilliam was badly burned, Dr. Rountree saved his lifeAll in the name of freedom, that reckless deed was doneOut on the Moorfield Road in the darkness before the dawnSome said the rebels, they were heroesBut the town was torn apartThat raid upon the Nafi blackened many heartsThe Doran family killed and maimed in the war of 1921As freedom beckoned in the darkness before the dawnIn Kilbailen Cemetery the price was paidA mother, son, a wife and brother in the ground were laidRemember the Doran family as the troubles linger onReflect upon our freedom in the darkness before the dawnReflect upon freedom in the darkness before the dawn