A Nation Once Again

    G                                                              C                       G
When boyhood's fire was in my blood, I read of ancient freemen;
         G                                                                   C            Am           D
Of Greece and Rome who bravely stood, three hundred men and three men. 
          D                                                         C                       G
And then I'd  prayed I yet might see, our fetters rent in twain,
          C           Am                   D                           G
And Ireland long a province be a Nation once again.

CHORUS
         G                 C        Am                  D
A Nation once again, a Nation once again
           G                    C             Am     D                  G
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 bright summer glow, outshine that solemn star light.  
It seemed to watch above my head, in forum field and fane,
It's angel voice sang round my bed, 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 must make our land a Nation once again,

CHORUS

And 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
Arranged by Frank Lennon (flennon@indigo.ie)
www.irishmidifiles.ie