A Nation Once Again
Traditional
A nation once again. A nation once again.
And Ireland long a provence be.
A nation once again.
When boyhood’s fire was in my blood
I read of ancient free men.
For Greece and Rome who bravely stood
three hundred men and 3 men.
And then I prayed I yet might see
our fetters rent in twain.
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 love’s 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 head,
a nation once again.
It whispered too that freedom’s ark
and service high and holy.
Would be profaned by feelings 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.
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 can be made
a nation once again.
