A Nation Once Again

Wolfe Tones

About A Nation Once Again

"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 the independence of Ireland. Davis believed that songs could have a strong emotional impact on people. He wrote that "a song is worth a thousand harangues". He felt that music could have a particularly strong influence on Irish people at that time. He wrote: "Music is the first faculty of the Irish... we will endeavour to teach the people to sing the songs of their country that they may keep alive in their minds the love of the fatherland. ""A Nation Once Again" was first published in The Nation on 13 July 1844 and quickly became a rallying call for the growing Irish nationalist movement at that time. The song is a prime example of the "Irish rebel music" subgenre. The song's narrator dreams of a time when Ireland will be, as the title suggests, a free land, with "our fetters rent in twain". The lyrics exhort Irish people to stand up and fight for their land: "And righteous men must make our land a nation once again". 


Year:
1963
2:57
974 
#6

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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!

A Nation once again,
A Nation once again,
And lreland, 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!

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!

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! 

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Wolfe Tones

The Wolfe Tones are an Irish rebel music band that incorporates elements of Irish traditional music in their songs. more »

2 fans

Written by: SEAN O'RIADA

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, EMI Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"A Nation Once Again" is a popular 19th-century nationalistic song of Ireland, often associated with Irish Republicans and Irish Independence. While it's popularly performed by The Wolfe Tones, an Irish rebel group band formed in the 1960s, it was actually written by Thomas Osborne Davis in the 1840s.
Recognition
In 2002, this song was voted the number one song of all time by BBC World Service listeners, beating popular tracks like "Imagine" by John Lennon and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.
Impact
Many historians and scholars credit this song with inspiring a feeling of nationalism among Irish people during a period of significant political upheaval and forming a cornerstone of the Irish struggle for independence from British rule.
Versions
The song has been covered by various artists across the world - not only in Ireland. It is often sung at political rallies, sports events, and social gatherings to instill a sense of Irish pride.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "A Nation Once Again" are powerful and stirring, narrating a vision of an Ireland free from external rule and celebrating the cultural and historical identity of the Irish people.
Influence
The song has had a significant influence on other independence movements and has been translated into many languages, including Hindi, to serve as an anthem for nationalistic aspirations in other countries.
Musical Style
Wolfe Tones, who popularized "A Nation Once Again," are known for their dynamic and emotive musical style. The song often gives listeners goosebumps due to its passionate rendition and the stirring lyrics.
Popularity
"A Nation Once Again" remains a staple at Wolfe Tones concerts, even decades after its initial popularity, demonstrating the song’s lasting appeal and enduring message.
Legacy
This song has been included in school textbooks in India under the title "Nationhood," signifying its universal appeal as an anthem for freedom and self-sovereignty.
Not Just a Song
Over the years, "A Nation Once Again" has grown from a simple song into a symbol of Irish nationalism and pride, often used to remind listeners of the power of people united in their desire for freedom and independence.

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