A Nation Once Again
Written by Thomas Osbourne Davis
(1814-1845)
Thomas Osbourne Davis was a founder of an Irish movement whose aim was the independence of Ireland.
The song is a prime example of the "Irish rebel music" sub-genre. The lyrics encourage Irishmen to stand up and fight for their land. It has been recorded by many Irish singers and groups. In 2002, the song was voted the world's most popular tune according to a BBC World Service global poll of listeners.
A Nation Once Again was recorded by Paddy and Bill on the Live At The Shanakee audiocassette tape.
When boyhood's 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 yet might see
Our fetters rent in twain,
And Ireland. long a province, be
A Nation once again!
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 shown a far light,
Nor could love's brightest summer glow
Outshine that solemn starlight;
It seemed to watch above my head
In forum, field and fame,
Its angel voice sang round my bed,
A Nation once again
A nation once again,
A nation once again,
And Ireland, long a province, be
A Nation once again!
It whisper'd too, that freedom's ark,
And service high and holy,
Would be profaned by feeling dark
And passions vain or lowly;
For, Freedom comes from God's right hand,
And needs a godly train;
And righteous men must make our land
A nation once again!
A nation once again,
A nation once again,
And Ireland, long a province, be
A Nation once again!
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