"A Nation Once Again"—Irish Patriotic Song

Title: "A Nation Once Again" Composer: Thomas Osborne Davis Lyricist: Thomas Osborne Davis Performer(s): The Dubliners Written: 1840s Performed: 1993 "A Nation Once Again" is a song written in the early to mid-1840s by Thomas Osborne Davis (1814–1845). Davis was a founder of Young Ireland, an Irish movement whose aim was for Ireland to gain independence from Britain. This performance omits a stanza with religious references. [0:08–1:00] The first image used features O'Connell Street in Dublin in the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising, with Nelson's Pillar in the background. [1:00–1:50] The second image used shows the shelling of the Four Courts building by Free State forces—an event symbolising the beginning of the Irish Civil War. The Anti-Treaty forces were housed in the Four Courts. [1:50–2:40] The third image used shows celebrations on the O'Connell Bridge when Ireland officially became a republic on the 18th of April, 1949. —LYRICS— [I] When boyhood's fire was in my blood, I read of ancient freemen. For Greece and 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! [II] 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 — Through forum, field, and fane, Its angel voice sang round my bed, A nation once again! [Chorus] [III] (OMITTED) It whisper'd 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! [Chorus] [IV] So, as I grew from boy to man, I bent me to my 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] —— Tags: #irish #irishmusic #irishnationalism #irishrebelmusic #rebelmusic The Discord server is temporarily closed.