Since then, while maintaining her singing career, she has occasionally encountered controversy, partly due to her statements and gestures—such as her ordination as a priest despite being a woman with a Roman Catholic background—and her strongly expressed views on organised religion, women's rights, war, and child abuse.
In addition to her ten solo albums her work includes many singles, songs for films, collaborations with many other artists and appearances at charity fundraising concerts.
Since converting to Islam in 2018 she has changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat.
In December 2019 she gave her first UK concert in five years at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, London.
On 26 July 2023, O'Connor's family issued a statement that she had died at the age of 56, without indicating the date or cause.
In the statement, the singer’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The acclaimed Dublin performer released 10 studio albums, while her song “Nothing Compares 2 U” was named the number one world single in 1990 by the Billboard Music Awards. Her version of the ballad, written by musician Prince, topped the charts around the globe and earned her three Grammy nominations.
How About I Be Me
Sinéad O'Connor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah and live
Like a real full woman
Every day
And I wanna make love like a real full woman
Every day
Yeah I said I wanna make love like a real full woman
Don't stop me talking 'bout love
How'm I gonna find what I'm dreaming of
Don't stop me talking 'bout love
I got to find what I'm dreaming of
Always gotta be the lioness
Taking care of everybody else
A woman like me needs love
A woman like me needs a man to be
Stronger than herself
Don't stop me talking 'bout love
How'm I gonna find what I'm dreaming of
Don't stop me talking 'bout love
I got to find what I'm dreaming of
A sweet man to cling to
And whisper sweet things to
'Cause a full woman must do
What a full woman must do
How about I be me
And you be you
And you be you
How about I be me
And you be you
How about I be me
Don't stop me talking 'bout love
How'm I gonna find what I'm dreaming of
Don't stop me talking 'bout love
I got to find what I'm dreaming of
The song "How About I Be Me" by Sinéad O'Connor is a reflection of a woman's desire to be accepted for who she is and to live her life as a full woman. The lyrics convey the singer's need for love, intimacy, and connection with another person. The opening lines set the tone for the song's message as the singer declares her desire to be a "real full woman" and live like one every day. By emphasizing the word "real," the singer suggests that she has been living a life that is not completely authentic or fulfilling.
The chorus is a plea to not stop the singer from talking about love because it is something she needs to figure out what she is dreaming of. The word "dreaming" indicates that there is a gap between the singer's reality and her aspirations, and that love is the missing piece in her life. The second verse highlights the singer's struggle with societal expectations of women. She feels like she always has to be the "lioness," fiercely taking care of others, but she also recognizes her own need for love and a man who is stronger than her.
Finally, the chorus repeats, but with an added emphasis on the importance of finding a "sweet man" to cling to and whisper sweet things to. The last lines suggest a plea for mutual acceptance and understanding in the form of "How about I be me and you be you." The song is a powerful statement about the struggles and desires of a woman who wants to live fully and authentically, finding love and acceptance along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna be a real full woman
I want to live my life with confidence and strength like a complete woman.
Yeah and live
I want to fully experience and enjoy my life.
Like a real full woman
I want to live according to the expectations society has for a complete woman.
Every day
I want to live this way every single day.
And I wanna make love like a real full woman
I want to have sexual experiences that are fulfilling and complete like a true woman.
Don't stop me talking 'bout love
Don't discourage me from speaking about my desires and dreams around love.
How'm I gonna find what I'm dreaming of
How will I ever come across something that lives up to my dream standards if I'm not allowed to speak about it?
Always gotta be the lioness
I'm always in charge, taking care of everyone else.
Taking care of everybody else
I'm always giving all my attention to others.
A woman like me needs love
Even though I act tough, I still need someone to love me.
A woman like me needs a man to be
As an independent woman, I still need a man who is stronger than me.
Stronger than herself
I need a man who can match and exceed my strength and independence.
A sweet man to cling to
I am looking for someone who can provide a source of comfort and support.
And whisper sweet things to
Someone who can speak words of affection and love to me.
'Cause a full woman must do
It's something that a complete woman must have.
What a full woman must do
Experiencing love and intimacy is one of the fundamental things that make a woman feel complete.
How about I be me
I want to be my true self.
And you be you
I want you to be your true self too.
And you be you
I want you to be your true self too.
How about I be me
I want to live my life authentically.
Don't stop me talking 'bout love
I won't let anyone stop me from expressing my love and desire for it.
I got to find what I'm dreaming of
I am determined to find love that meets my expectations and dreams.
Lyrics © DIGITAL 1 MEDIA SERVICES INC.
Written by: Sinead O'Connor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
K. Maczák
on Troy
The song is about her abusive mother, who locked her out of the house, and she sitting in the long grass in summer keeping warm , while her mother turned off the light inside the house , and she screamed . etc.