The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #45603   Message #676442
Posted By: GUEST,Declan
26-Mar-02 - 05:16 AM
Thread Name: Northern Ireland - anthem?
Subject: Lyr Add: ANTHEM FOR IRELAND (Desmond Leslie)
This is the Anthem for Ireland recorded by De Dannan. To avoid a row lets say its sung to the same air as Danny Boy (a tune which many believe to be Irish, but some claim is British as the song is believed to have its roots in Scotland - sounds familiar). The words are written by Desmond Leslie (whose name I got completely wrong yesterday - apologies). While this one might not be perfect, I think it has more going for it than chanting soldier's songs or praising the glorious king/queen.

ANTHEM FOR IRELAND (Words Desmond Leslie sung to the air of Danny Boy)

Oh land of love, We bless thee gentle Mother
Oh land of life, fair jewel of the sea
Oh land of joy, where brother shall meet brother,
And all thy souls shall dwell in harmony

And when the clouds of torment and of sorrow,
Flee with the dark at rising of the sun,
Hand shall clasp hand in happiness tomorrow
And we shall live in peace until His work is done.

All wounds shall heal, unkindness be forgiven,
All hearts forget, as ends our darkest night,
No more shall we by wars & strife be riven
All Ireland's children face the future bright.

One God shall reign, in hearts His flame has lighted,
And He shall lead his people to the sun,
One heart, one soul, one land by love united,
There we shall live in peace until His work be done.