A Nation Once Again
When boyhood's fire was in my bloodI read of ancient freemen,Of Greece and Rome who bravely stood,Three hundred men and free men;And then I thought I ever might seeOur fetters rent in twain,And Ireland, long a province, beA Nation once again!
Chorus:A Nation once again,A Nation once again,And lreland, long a province, beA Nation once again!
And from that time, through wildest woe,That hope has shone a far light,Nor could love's brightest summer glowOutshine that solemn starlight;It seemed to watch above my headIn forum, field and fane,Its angel voice sang round my bed,A Nation once again! (chorus)
So, as I grew from boy to man,I bent me to that biddingMy spirit of each selfish planAnd cruel passion ridding;For, thus I hoped some day to aid,Oh, can such hope be vain ?When my dear country shall be madeA Nation once again! (chorus)[The two last strophes are not always sung by the Dubliners, Luke Kelly]