"A Nation Once Again" is a song, written sometime in the 1840s by Thomas Osbourne Davis (1814-1845). Davis was a founder of an Irish movement whose aim was the independence of Ireland. A song is a relatively short musical composition for the human voice (possibly accompanied by other musical instruments), which features words (lyrics). ... // Events and Trends Technology First use of anaesthesia in an operation, by Crawford Long War, peace and politics First signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) on February 6, 1840 at Waitangi New Zealand. ... Thomas Osborne Davis (October 14, 1814 - September 16, 1845) was Irish writer and politician who was the chief organizer and poet of the Young Ireland movement. ... 1814 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... 1845 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

The song is a prime example of the "Irish rebel music" sub-genre (though it does not celebrate fallen Irish freedom fighters by name, or cast aspersions on the British occupiers as so many rebel songs do). 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, albeit with less vitriol than some rebel songs, Irishmen to stand up and fight for their land: "And righteous men must make our land a nation once again." Irish rebel music is a sub genre of Irish folk music, with much the same instrumentation, but with lyrics about the fight for Irish freedom, people who were involved in liberation movements, Celtic unity, and attacks on the English invaders. ...

It has been recorded by many Irish singers and groups, notably John McCormack, The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, The Wolfe Tones in 1964, (a group with clearly Republican leanings), and The Irish Tenors (John McDermott, Ronan Tynan, and Anthony Kearns). John McCormack John McCormack (14 June 1884 - 16 September 1945), was a world-famous Irish-American tenor in the fields of opera and popular music, and renowned for his flawless diction and superb breath control. ... The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem from left to right: Tom, Pat, Liam, and Tommy Makem The Clancy Brothers were an Irish folk music band, most popular in the 1960s, who are often credited with popularizing Irish traditional music in the United States. ... The Dubliners are an Irish folk band, one of the older bands in music today. ... The Wolfe Tones are an Irish band deeply rooted in Irish traditional music. ... Motto: none Anthem: Amhrán na bhFiann (The Soldiers Song) Capital Dublin Largest city Dublin Official language(s) Irish, English Government President Taoiseach Parliamentary democracy Mary McAleese Bertie Ahern Independence  - Declared  - Recognised From UK by treaty 21 January 1919 6 December 1921 Area  â€¢ Total  â€¢ Water (%)   70,273 km² (117th... John J. McDermott Jr. ... Dr. Ronan Tynan, M.D. (born 1960) is a popular tenor, singing in the classical Irish style. ...

In 2002, "A Nation Once Again" was voted the world's most popular tune according to a BBC World Service global poll of listeners, beating out such favorites as "Vande Mataram" and "Dil Dil Pakistan." Neither The Beatles nor Bob Marley made the cut, though Cher was #8 with "Believe." 2002 (MMII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Corporate logo of the British Broadcasting Corporation. ... The Beatles were a British rock music group from Liverpool, England held in very high regard for both their artistic achievements and their considerable commercial success, and have amassed an enormous worldwide fanbase that continues to exist to this day. ... Robert Nesta Marley, OM, (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981) better known as Bob Marley, was a Jamaican singer, guitarist, songwriter and activist. ... Cher on the cover of her album Living Proof Image:CherCher Photo Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946) is an American actress and singer of half Armenian, Scots Irish, and 1/16th Cherokee descent. ...

External link

• BBC News Service: World's Top Ten