When boyhood's fire was in my blood,
I read of ancient freemen.
For Greece and

And then I prayed I yet might see our fetters rent in twain
A nation once again, a nation once again,
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 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 bed
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,

It whispered, too, that freedom's ark

And service high and holy
Would be profaned by feelings dark
And passion 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.
And from that time, through wildest woe,


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 someday to aid,
Oh can such hope be vain

When my dear country shall be made
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,