Sinéad O’Connor

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Well it's by the hush, me boys
And that's to mind your noise
And listen to poor Paddy's sad narration
I was by hunger stressed
And in poverty distressed
So I took a thought I'd leave
The Irish nation

[Verse 2]
Well I sold me horse and cow
My little pigs and sow
My father's farm of land
I then departed
And me sweetheart Bid McGee
I'm afraid I'll never see
For I left her there that morning
Broken-hearted

[Chorus]
Here ye boys
Now take my advice
To America I'll have ye
Not be coming
There is nothing here but war
Where the murderin' cannons roar
And I wish I was at home
In dear old Dublin
[Verse 3]
Well meself and a hundred more
To America sailed o'er
Our fortunes to be making
We were thinkin'
When we got to yankee land
They put guns into our hands
Saying "Paddy, you must go
And fight for Lincoln"

[Chorus]
Here ye boys
Now take my advice
To America I'll have ye
Not be coming
There is nothing here but war
Where the murderin' cannons roar
And I wish I was at home
In dear old Dublin

[Verse 4]
General Meagher to us he said
If you get shot or lose your head
Every mother's son of youse
Will get a pension
Well in the war I lost me leg
And all I've now's a wooden peg
And by soul it is the truth
To you I mention
[Chorus]
Here ye boys
Now take my advice
To America I'll have ye
Not be coming
There is nothing here but war
Where the murderin' cannons roar
And I wish I was at home
In dear old Dublin

[Verse 5]
Well I think meself in luck
If I get fed on Indianbuck
And old Ireland is the country
I delight in
To the devil I would say
God curse Americay
For in truth I've had enough
Of your hard fightin'

[Chorus]
Here ye boys
Now take my advice
To America I'll have ye
Not be going
There is nothing here but war
Where the murderin' cannons roar
And I wish I was at home
In dear old Dublin
[Outro]
I wish I was at home
I wish I was at home
I wish I was at home
In dear old DublinEmbed

Paddy's Lament by Sinéad O'Connor is a haunting and powerful folk ballad that delves into the struggles and the resilience of the Irish people throughout history. With her poignant vocals and emotionally charged delivery, O'Connor brings to life the pain and sorrow of the Irish diaspora, capturing the essence of their collective experience.

The song tells the story of Paddy, a fictional character who represents the countless Irish men and women who were forced to leave their homeland due to poverty, famine, and political oppression. Through evocative lyrics and a plaintive melody, O'Connor paints a vivid picture of Paddy's journey and the hardships he encounters along the way.

At its core, Paddy's Lament is a reflection on the themes of displacement, longing, and the enduring spirit of the Irish people. It mourns the loss of homeland and the longing for a sense of belonging, while also celebrating the resilience and tenacity of the Irish diaspora in the face of adversity.

The song opens with a melancholic and mournful guitar melody, setting the somber tone for the rest of the track. O'Connor's distinctive and powerful vocals quickly take center stage, infusing the lyrics with raw emotions and a sense of urgency.

Lyrically, Paddy's Lament is rich in imagery and powerful storytelling. The verses bring to life the struggles of the Irish emigrants, vividly describing their journey across the sea and their experiences in a new land. The chorus, delivered with an almost aching intensity, serves as a poignant reminder of the longing and pain felt by those forced to leave their homeland.

Throughout the song, O'Connor's vocal performance is truly captivating, showcasing her ability to convey the complexities of human emotion. Her voice soars with raw power and vulnerability, evoking a potent sense of empathy in the listener.

About Sinéad O'Connor

Sinéad O'Connor is an influential and critically acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and powerful lyricism. Rising to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, O'Connor's music has touched the hearts and minds of listeners around the world.

O'Connor's music is often characterized by its raw honesty and emotional depth, tackling themes such as religion, love, and social justice. She is known for her fearless exploration of controversial subjects and her willingness to speak out on issues close to her heart.

With her haunting vocals and introspective songwriting, O'Connor has continuously pushed the boundaries of genre and defied categorization. Her music effortlessly blends elements of folk, rock, and traditional Irish music, creating a uniquely captivating sound.

Throughout her career, O'Connor has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including her breakthrough debut "The Lion and the Cobra" and the iconic "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," which featured her smash-hit single "Nothing Compares 2 U."

O'Connor's contributions to the music industry extend beyond her own discography. She has collaborated with numerous artists from various genres and has lent her powerful voice to several film soundtracks. Her undeniable talent and powerful presence have solidified her status as a musical icon.

The Impact of Paddy's Lament

Paddy's Lament is a standout track in Sinéad O'Connor's discography, serving as a poignant and evocative exploration of the Irish experience. Its deeply emotional lyrics and mesmerizing vocals resonate with listeners, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the Irish diaspora.

The song's themes of displacement and resilience have struck a chord with audiences worldwide, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Paddy's Lament stands as an anthem for those who have been uprooted from their homes, reminding them of the strength and courage it takes to face adversity and create a new life.

Moreover, Paddy's Lament encapsulates the power of music to tell stories and shed light on historical and social issues. Through this song, O'Connor has created a lasting tribute to the Irish people and their enduring spirit.

In the end, Paddy's Lament by Sinéad O'Connor is not just a song, but a deeply moving and immersive experience. Its melancholic melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocals make it an essential listen for anyone seeking a profound and emotional musical journey.

• Release Date: October 8, 2002
• Artist: Sinéad O’Connor