A nation once again

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1. When boyhood's fire was in my blood

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I read of ancient freemen

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For Greece and Rome who bravely stood,

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Three hundred men and three men;

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And then I prayed I yet might see our fetters rent in twain,

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And Ireland long a province be a nation once again!

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Chorus: A nation once again, a nation once again,

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And Ireland, long a province be a nation once again!

2. 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!

Chorus.

3. 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!

Chorus

4. 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

Chorus