A NATION ONCE AGAIN
When boyhoods fire was in my blood
I read of ancient freemen
For Greece and Rome who bravely stood
Three hundred men and three men
And then I prayed I might yet see
Our fetters rent in twain
And Ireland long a province be
A nation once again
[CHORUS]
[A nation once again
A nation once again
And Ireland long a province be
A nation once again]
And from that time through wildest woe
That hope has shone a far light
Nor could loves brightest summer glow
Outshine that solemn starlight
It seemed to watch above my head
In forum, field and fane
Its angel voice sang round my bed
A nation once again
(CHORUS)
It whispered too that freedoms ark
And service high and holy
Would be profaned by feelings dark
And passions vain or lowly
For, freedom comes from Gods right hand
And needs a godly train
And righteous men must make our land
A nation once again
(CHORUS)
So, as I grew from boy to man
I bent me to that bidding
My spirit of each selfish plan
And cruel passion ridding
For, thus I hoped some day to aid
Oh, can such hope be vain
When my dear country shall be made
A nation once again.