Summary

The speaker considers their “wounded” country and their own need to heal it and restore it to its former glory. They know that their country was once a place of strong and proud warriors. By playing the harp, Ireland’s national symbol, they’re connecting with this militant heritage. Long ago, Ireland was a triumphant and free nation even as other great countries struggled with warfare. The speaker implores God to free Ireland from its downtrodden turmoil. To succeed, the country needs a burst of renewal, divine intervention, or a new generation’s hero to lead them to a better future. The speaker reflects that they themselves have no power to bring forth this hero or carry the country to greatness; instead, they can only lift the shroud of obscurity and draw attention to the country’s needs, hoping that some worthy person will...