Video: Sinead O'Connor 'Troy' live at Pinkpop Festival 1988

Amazing live version of Sinead O'Connor singing "Troy" live at the Pinkpop Festival in 1988. I hope someone, somewhere has digitized this version and can keep it in mint condition!

Video: Sinead O'Connor Molly Malone

Sinead O'Connor singing Molly Malone---need I say more?

Lyrics

Statue of Molly Malone in Dublin

In Dublin's fair city,

Where the girls are so pretty,

I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone,

As she wheeled her wheel-barrow,

Through streets broad and narrow,

Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"

"Alive, alive, oh,

Alive, alive, oh",

Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh".

She was a fishmonger,

But sure 'twas no wonder,

For so were her father and mother before,

And they each wheeled their barrow,

Through streets broad and narrow,

Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"

(chorus)

She died of a fever,

And no one could save her,

And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone.

Now her ghost wheels her barrow,

Through streets broad and narrow,

Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"

(chorus)

Troy by Sinead O'Connor (video, lyrics and what it means to me)

Ahh, the song "Troy" by Sinead O'Connor. It's a fabulous song and one in which I blame for shaping (or maybe reshaping) the way I listened to music.

I can't recall exactly when I first heard it, but I'm guessing it was about 89-90. In 86, I was 18-years-old and a teen mom. My daughter was almost 2-years-old and I was trying to forge out some sort of career for myself. It didn't exactly work, and when I look back at those years, I tend to remember more about the fun I had, the dates I went on, and the friends and acquaintances I met, rather than my time working or going to hair school. I was in Boston and "alternative" music was in with the kids defying tradition, only that wasn't what we called it back then. It was just very clear that the music you listened to really defined you- could easily make you accepted or rejected by certain cliques- and for me- my taste of music was definitely cutting edge- indie/college favorites that were viewed as "underground" "rebellious" maybe a bit punk- but those that challenged the rules of society.

And there was Sinead.

Here I am, at 43-years-old, and my choice in music is still "on the edge" I guess you can say. Honestly, I deplore most of what is played on a radio and I really don't like listening to anything considered "contemporary" regardless of the genre--and I guess I can attribute some of that to Sinead.

She was so unique and original, and not just because she was Irish and I was a Bostonian girl trying to figure out who I was- she was genuinely original. It permeated through every song she wrote and unleashed like a tempest on the world. Her uniqueness seeped through every performance. It was rebellious and refreshing. It was a middle finger in your face playing to a background of harmonious melodies that would suddenly turn to growls, then just as quickly return to sugary-sweet smoothness.

It was unlike anything I ever heard before, and honestly, unlike anything I've heard since.

Sure, there have been some that have "arisen from the flames" in some comparison to Sinead. Mostly is Alanis Morissette- and it seems whenever there is a demand for an artist (music or Hollywood) and something knocks that person from their rightful spot, there is always "another" waiting in the wings to take their place.

Don't believe me? Go ask Lindsay Lohan.

So to me, when I listen to "Troy," I am instantly transported back in time- to my youth- to my days of college music and figuring out where I wanted to go with my life- while at the same time embracing this "rebellious" side of me that wanted to give society the middle finger as well.

Sinead O'Connor will always be my favorite artist- and I have more stories to share- many of which may just seem so unbelievable but are a true part of my history.

It's amazing how we mark monumental events in our lives with music, isn't it? For me, I can associate music with different parts of my past- I remember what I listened to when I was a pregnant teen, when I was coming of age and a runaway, when I made it through high school, when I went into the U.S. Army, and when I left at the beginning of the first Iraq war.

For most of it, Sinead has been there. Not in person, but her music has played a significant part in the soundtrack of my life.

Maybe I'll have some Sinead playing during my funeral...how about "Stretched on your grave." That might be a mind-bender and throw things out of whack...lol..

I like it...

Just might do it...


Here is the song that for me, is the epitome of college, underground music in Boston, Massachusetts back when I was young.

"Troy"
Lyrics by Sinead O'Connor

I remember it--

Dublin in a rainstorm, ah.
Sitting in the long grass in the summer,
Keeping warm.

I remember it--
Every restless night.
We were so young then
We thought that everything
That we could possibly do was right.

And we moved,

Stolen from our very eyes.
And I wondered where you went to.
And tell me, when did the light die?

You will rise,
You'll return, ah, ah.
The phoenix from the flame.
You will learn,
You will rise,
You'll return,
Being what you are.
There is no other Troy for you to burn, ah.

I never meant to hurt you,
I swear I didn't mean those things I said.

I never meant to do that to you;
Next time, I'll keep my hands to myself instead.

Oh, does she love you?
What do you want to do?
Does she need you like I do, oh?

Do you love her?
Is she good for you?
Does she hold you like I do, whoah, aah, ooh, oh-oh?

Do you want me?
Should I leave?
I know you're always telling me that you love me,
But just sometimes I wonder if I should believe.

Oh, I love you.
God, I love you.
I'd kill a dragon for you,

I'll die.
But I will rise,
And I will return
The phoenix from the flame.
I have learned,
I will rise.
And you'll see me return,
Being what I am.
There is no other Troy for me to burn, ah.

Well, you should have left the light on,
You should have left the light on,
Then I wouldn't have tried, and you'd never have known.

Well, I wouldn't have pulled you tighter,
No, I wouldn't have pulled you close,
I wouldn't have screamed, "No! I can't let you go"

If the door wasn't closed.
No, I wouldn't have pulled you to me,
No, I wouldn't have kissed your face.
You wouldn't have begged me to hold you
If we hadn't been there in the first place.

Whoa, but I know you wanted me to be there, oh, oh,
Every look that you threw told me so.

Oh, but you should have left the light on.
You should have left the light on.
Ah, oh-ooh, oh,
Ah, oh-ooh, oh,

But the flame burned away, but you're still spitting fire,
Made no difference what you say,

You're still a liar,
You're still a liar,
You're still a liar.

Photos: Sinead O’Connor records song to promote depression awareness (video)

As seen on Examiner.com

Sinead O’Connor has been busy and in addition to running a household and getting her kids back to school, she has confirmed several notable appearances and recordings to create awareness for those struggling with depression. On September 1, 2012, O’Connor confirmed on her official Twitter account that she finished recording two songs for a special holiday album for Aware.

O’Connor tweeted, “Massive fun yesterday at RTE recording 2 songs for John Creedon show Christmas Album for Aware. Massive kudos to RTE for the vibe.. U rock .”

View slideshow: Sinead O'Connor and Debbie 'Blondie' Harry

 

Aware describes itself as a voluntary organization that seeks to create public awareness as well as personal support for those dealing with issues such as depression, bipolar, or anxiety-related disorders. The Irish based organization utilizes a variety of methods for providing help to those dealing with depression and other mood disorders, including using social media networks for online support groups.

O’Connor has made past personal pleas to those struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide to reach out for help. The Grammy award-winning singer has made the offer for those feeling overcome by life’s pressures, weights, and struggles to reach out to her personally. It is clear that O’Connor cares greatly about the well-being of others and uses her voice to help remove the stigma many associate with depression and other mood disorders.

Speaking about the songs she performed, O’Connor explained that she was meant to record one song but performed two. She stated she worked with Danny O’Reilly from the Irish rock, indie band “The Coronas.” The songs recorded include the Christmas carol “Once in Royal David’s City” and “When a Child is Born.” The album will be released in November and the proceeds will go to Aware.

Resources

Aware Ireland Twitter
Aware Ireland Facebook
Aware Ireland YouTube
Sinead O’Connor Twitter
Sinead O’Connor official website
Sinead O’Connor YouTube
New! Follow the Sinead O’Connor Examiner on Facebook.

Video: Sinead O'Connor and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd 'Mother'

Videos: Sinead O'Connor Am I Not Your Girl

Am I Not Your Girl is one of my favorite CDs by Irish singer, Sinead O'Connor. The album is the third studio album for O'Connor and was released following The Lion and the Cobra and I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got. Neither a pop or alternative album, Am I Not Your Girl focuses on Broadway hits and classic love tunes with a big band style, the album was met with mixed reviews. Some who expected O'Connor to follow up her Nothing Compares 2 U success with a similar type of song were disappointed. Others who appreciated the versatility, breathy vocals, and smooth stylings of O'Connor welcomed the album with open arms.

In my opinion, the CD is one of O'Connor's best and only proves the true diva that O'Connor truly is. If there was anyone who could sing you a phone book and make you feel it, O'Connor is that singer. Am I Not Your Girl is an emotionally drenched presentation of some of the most famous songs ever written.

You'll hear a mixture of Marilyn Monore and Barbra Streisand in O'Connors whispery vocals and each song will transport you to a 50s jazz club.

If O'Connor had released the jazz- driven Am I Not Your Girl as her debut CD, there is no doubt she would have won critical acclaim. The only trouble I see with the album, is that it was so far from her previous CDs, her fans didn't know how to handle it. O'Connor's version of Don't Cry for Me Argentina is a far stretch from the punk/alternative vocals beloved by fans on Troy that many simply didn't know how to react to the CD.

For those willing to open their tastes to appreciate all that O'Connor offers, however, the CD does not disappoint and is simply brilliant.

1	Why Don't You Do Right?	2:30
2	Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered	6:15
3	Secret Love	2:57
4	Black Coffee	3:21
5	Success Has Made a Failure of Our Home	4:26
6	Don't Cry for Me Argentina	5:34
7	I Want to Be Loved by You	2:46
8	Gloomy Sunday	3:56
9	Love Letters	3:07
10	How Insensitive	3:27
11	Scarlet Ribbons	4:14
12	Don't Cry for Me Argentina (instrumental)	5:11

Alanis Morissette talks Sinead O’Connor influence before 'Jagged Little Pill'

On August 25, 2012, Parade published an interview with rocker Alanis Morissette who is promoting her first CD after a four-year hiatus,Havoc and Bright Lights. The Canadian, American singer burst on the scene in 1991 with her CD Alanis. It wasn’t until 1995, however, when she released Jagged Little Pillthat her success would be recognized in the form of multiple awards and nominations. Jagged Little Pill won multiple Grammys including Best Rock Album, Album of the Year, and Morissette was nominated for Best New Artist. In another interview, however, Morissette revealed that she was influenced by the earlier, rage-fueled stylings presented by Sinead O’Connor and Tori Amos.

Speaking to The Hot Seat, Morissette discussed the new CD as well as her influences. Rolling Stone editor Anthony ‘Tony’ DeCurtis asked, “What do you listen to when you want to get angsty?”

Morissette replied, “What influenced me was Tori Amos, who was unapologetic about expressing anger through music, and Sinéad O’Connor. Those two in particular were really moving for me, and very inspiring, before I wrote Jagged Little Pill.”

O’Connor’s influence is apparent on many of Morissette’s recordings, but maybe none as obvious as in You Ought to Know. The song won Morissette two Grammys including Best Rock Song and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

O’Connor has been a vocal critic of awards shows, such as the Grammys. O’Connor’s first CD The Lion and the Cobra was nominated in 1987 for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. O’Connor’s second, studio album I do not want what I haven’t Got received multiple Grammy nominations and was the first album to win the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. She chose to boycott the show, however, citing the show was nothing more than a popularity contest. Click here to watch a 1991 video interview with Sinead O’Connor on the Arsenio Hall Show. The interview was held the day prior to the Grammys.

O’Connor stated, “It’s not just the Grammys that I’ve pulled out of. I also pulled out of the English awards as well. The reason that I wanted to pull out was because I believe very much that the music industry as a whole is mainly concerned with material success.” She addressed the correlation between award shows reinforcing the belief that commercial success is the equivalent of happiness.

She wasn’t the first person, or the last, to boycott the Grammy awards.

In 1989, Russell Simmons, Salt-n-Pepa, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith, and Kid N’ Play protested because at the time, the Hip Hop portion of the awards show was not televised.

O’Connor’s latest release is her ninth studio album How about I be Me (and you be you)? She has appeared on several compilation albums released in 2012 including Trente Hits Incontournables,Alle 30 Goed and All the Best. She will appear on the Damien Dempsey album Almighty Lovescheduled for release in September 2012.

Sinead O’Connor Twitter

Sinead O’Connor official website

Sinead O’Connor YouTube

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Video: Sinead O'Connor 'The Wolf is Getting Married' (lyrics)

'The Wolf is Getting Married' is the first single off of Sinead O'Connor's 2012 album How About I be Me (and you be you)? According to O'Connor, the song was inspired by a taxi-ride she took on a gloomy day. A Muslim cabby uttered the phrase "The Wolf is Getting Married" to describe a break of sunlight peeking through the clouds. O'Connor never forgot the incident nor the saying, and used it as the preface for the song.

Just as a ray of light shining through the clouds on a darkened day, The Wolf is Getting Married is an inspiring song that reminds us that is the simple things that bring joy and happiness in life.

The lyrics "Your smile makes me smile, Your laugh makes me laugh, Your joy gives me joy, and Your hope gives me hope" point to how in the darkest, saddest times in our lives, it is often the love we see in others that reflects back in our own lives.

Sometimes the easiest and only way to overcome the dark days of life is to focus on those whom bring joy to us. It's those relationships that help get us through.

Another aspect of this song that I love is that it is an awesome metaphor for depression. Not only is the darkened sky symbolic of depressed times in our lives, but the "crying wolf" is symbolic of rain and tears. The song really speaks to overcoming depression through the joy found in relationships with those whom we love and who inspire us, simply by their smiles and laughter.

As a mother, I often find the most effective way to overcome depression and get my focus back on track is by looking in the eyes of my children.

As a woman of faith, I find strength in God's joy. I have hope because God IS hope. God turns our mourning into dancing and trades our sorrows for joy.

No matter where we are in life, no matter what we are going through or how dark or bleak we may feel our present circumstances are- the wolf is getting married--joy is on the horizon and the sun is peeping through the clouds...

and he'll never cry again.




“The Wolf Is Getting Married”

Written by Sinéad O'Connor/Marco Pirroni/Chris Constantinou/A. B. O'Neill

I used to have no wolves around me.
I was too free, if that's possible to be.
No safety is what I mean,
No solid foundation to keep me,

But the sun's peeping out of the sky
Where it used to be only grey.
The wolf is getting married,
And he'll never cry again.

Your smile makes me smile,
Your laugh makes me laugh,
Your joy gives me joy,
Your hope gives me hope,

And the sun's peeping out of the sky
Where it used to be only grey.
The wolf is getting married,
And he'll never cry again,
He'll never cry again.

Even when something terrible is happening,
You laugh and that's the thing I love about you.
Even when something terrible is happening,
You laugh and that's the thing I love about you most, yeah.

Your smile  makes me smile,
Your hope, gives me hope,

And the sun's peeping out of the sky
Where it used to be only grey.
The wolf is getting married,
And he'll never cry again.



The Wolf is Getting Married Album Version


The Wolf is Getting Married Live on The Graham Norton Show


The Wolf is Getting Married Live at The Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland (my favorite version)

Video: Sinead O'Connor, The Don Baker Band Marlay Park

I know,

It isn't much- just a two-minute video of Sinead O'Connor singing with The Don Baker Band at last Saturday's gig in Marlay Park, Ireland.

For those of us across across the Atlantic who wanted to see the show, well, we'll take what we can get.

Check out the video, as brief as it may be, of Sinead O'Connor. Also check out Don Baker and his amazing harmonica stylings below.

About Sinead O'Connor Wikipedia entry

I've chosen to include the Sinead O'Connor Wikipedia entry to the blog, although it must be stated that you cannot trust Wikipedia for 100% accuracy. After weighing the pros and cons of adding the entry, I decided I would as a starting place for those interested in learning more about Sinead O'Connor. Also, the Wikipedia entry has a rather thorough discography and lots of links to other articles and resources.

It should also be stated that Sinead O'Connor has taken great issue with a number of the publicized reports about her. She has also repeatedly taken to her official website and Twitter account to offer clarifications regarding issues.

Anyone studying or researching the life, biography, and career of Sinead O'Connor should ensure they triple-check facts as there is simply a lot of information out there that she has contested and repeatedly stated is not factual.

Here are some YouTube videos of interviews with Sinead.