Oh, father why are you so sad
On this bright Easter morn'
When Irish men are proud and glad
Of the land that they were born?
Oh, son, I see in mem'ries few
Of far off distant days
When being just a boy like you
I joined the IRA.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
From hills and farms a call to arms
Was heard by one and all.
And from the glen came brave young men
To answer Ireland's call.
"˜T was long ago we faced a foe,
The old brigade and me,
And by my side they fought and died
That Ireland might be free.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
And now, my boy, I've told you why
On Easter morn' I sigh,
For I recall my comrades all
And dark lost days gone by.
I think of men who fought in glens
With rifle and grenade.
May heaven keep the men who sleep
From the ranks of the old brigade.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
Where are the lads that stood with me
When history was made?
A Ghra Mo Chroi, I long to see
The boys of the old brigade.
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's voice sang round my bed,
A Nation once again!
A Nation once again,
A Nation once again,
And lreland, long a province, be
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,
Or can such hope be vain ?
When my dear country shall be made
A Nation once again!
A Nation once again,
A Nation once again,
And lreland, long a province, be
A Nation once again!