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The tradition of rebel music in Ireland date back to the period of English (and later British) Crown rule, and describe historical events in Irish history such as rebellions against the Crown and reinforcing solidarity amongst the people of Ireland.[citation needed]

As well as a deep-rooted sense of tradition, rebel songs have nonetheless remained contemporary, and since 1922, the focus has moved onto the nationalist cause in Northern Ireland, including support for the IRA and Sinn Féin.[1] However, the subject matter is not confined to Irish history, and includes the exploits of the Irish Brigades, who fought for the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War, and also those who participated in the American Civil War. There are also some songs that express sorrow over war (from a Republican perspective), such as Only our rivers run free, and some have been covered by bands that have tweaked lyrics to be explicitly anti-war, such as the cover of The Patriot Game by Scottish band The Bluebells.

Over the years, a number of bands have performed "crossover" music, that is, Irish rebel lyrics and instrumentation mixed with other, more pop styles. Damien Dempsey is known for his pop-influenced rebel ballads and bands like Seanchai and the Unity Squad, Beltaine's Fire, and Kneecap combine Rebel music with Political hip hop and other genres.[citation needed]