When boyhood's fire was in my blood I read of ancient free men
Of Greece and of 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.

CHORUS]
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 low, out shine 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.'

CHORUS]

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 mus make our land a nation once again.

CHORUS]

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]