Clannad, whose name is taken from an Clann as Dobhar meaning the family from Dore, was formed by the Brennan family in 1970. Máire, Ciarán and Pól Brennan joined uncles Noel and Pádraig Duggan and began performing in their father Leo's tavern. Máire's sister, Enya, joined the band in 1979 and left three years later to pursue a successful solo career. Máire has also enjoyed a simultaneous career as a solo singer, starting with her 1992 album entitled Máire, and recently altered the spelling of her name to Moya Brennan.
Harry's Game, the group's theme song for a television thriller, prominently featured in the film Patriot Games, was also used in a commercial for Volkswagen in 1992, and won Clannad newfound popularity in the United States. Another hit was the 1985 song In a Lifetime with Bono of U2. Their song, I Will Find You, is part of the soundtrack for the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans.
The mega-selling album Lore (1996) also gave some thought to the Native American Indians. On Trail Of Tears Noel Duggan imagined how it felt to be exiled from your ancestral land. He was also thinking about these people and their connection with the Irish. How for instance, these distant American cousins had sent money to Ireland during the potato famine of the Nineteenth Century.
Their Grammy in 1999, (their third nomination) was in recognition for the Landmarks (1998) record, which was once again sited in the heartland of Donegal, shaped by the mountains, the glens and the sea-lashed shores of Gweedore. In Of This Land Moya sings about Ireland, of its past and of its future. The track Fadó translates as "Long Ago", which once again demonstrates the influence of old Celtic history on Clannad's music.
In 2003, Clannad released the best of album, In A Lifetime, which is one of their biggest selling albums to date.
Clannad have gone from strength to strength, and from their early days have created a massive fan base. The youngest of the siblings, Moya's (Máire's) sister and goddaughter is the musician Brídín Brennan.
In 2008, Clannad again began touring, beginning with a UK tour in March. Clannad's Noel Duggan in March 2008 released the band's official biography, 'Moments in a Lifetime', which includes many unseen photographs, and the band's latest (15th) compilation 'Celtic Themes' was released a few days later.
In June 2009, Clannad was nominated for an IMA Award in the category Best Revival Act.
Their album Nádúr (their first new album since the release of Landmarks in 1997) was released worldwide in September 2013.
In 2019, Clannad embarked on their In a Lifetime farewell tour, but it was postponed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new compilation album entitled, In a Lifetime (which included two new tracks), was released.
Discography
* 1972 — The Pretty Maid (Clannad)
* 1974 — Clannad 2
* 1976 — Dúlamán
* 1978 — Clannad in Concert [live]
* 1979 — Ring Of Gold [live, unofficial bootleg]
* 1980 — Crann Úll
* 1982 — Fuaim
* 1983 — Magical Ring
* 1984 — Legend [soundtrack]
* 1985 — Macalla
* 1987 — Sirius
* 1987 — The Collection [collection]
* 1988 — Atlantic Realm [soundtrack]
* 1989 — Pastpresent [collection]
* 1989 — The Angel and the Soldier Boy [soundtrack]
* 1992 — Anam
* 1993 — Banba
* 1995 — Lore
* 1995 — Themes [collection]
* 1997 — Landmarks
* 1997 — Rogha: The Best of Clannad [collection]
* 1998 — An Diolaim [collection]
* 2003 — The Best of Clannad: In A Lifetime [collection]
* 2005 — Clannad - Live In Concert, 1996 [live]
* Nádúr (2013)
Official website: www.clannad.ie
Northern Skyline: www.clannad.org.uk
Bridge
Clannad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Our parting coming nearer
The last embarace, the final touch
With nothing more to say
Nothing more to say
As silence fell around the bridge
Not a single word was spoken
A bitter breeze, a lonely stream
Echoed through the glen
Echoed through the glen
Droichead na ndeor
Agus droichead na gcaointe
Droichead na gcaointe
Agus droichead na ndeor
Memories fade with passing age
In forlorn hope we wait for
Dostant hills still haunt us now
Until the end of time
Until the end of time
Droichead na ndeor
Agus droichead na gcaointe
Droichead na gcaointe
Agus droichead na ndeor
Droichead na ndeor
Agus droichead na gcaointe
Droichead na gcaointe
Agus droichead na ndeor
The song A Bridge by Clannad is an emotional and reflective piece that explores themes of parting, memories, and the passage of time. The opening lines describe the clearing of the mist from Muckish Hill, which seems to symbolize a moment of clarity or resolution. This clarity is juxtaposed with the impending sense of parting that is coming nearer, which creates an atmosphere of sadness and finality.
The second stanza describes the final moments of the parting, with nothing more to say between the two individuals. The silence is emphasized by the bitter breeze and lonely stream that echo through the glen, as if nature itself is mourning the loss. The final lines repeat the title of the song, Droichead na ndeor (Bridge of Tears) and Droichead na gcaointe (Bridge of Sighs), which reinforces the idea that the bridge is a symbol of a painful and emotional experience.
The final stanza explores the idea that memories fade with passing age, but the hills of the past continue to haunt and linger until the end of time. The repetition of the bridge imagery throughout the song suggests that this moment of parting was significant and traumatic, leaving a lasting impression upon the singer.
Overall, A Bridge is a poignant and introspective song that reflects upon the profound emotional impact of a difficult farewell.
Line by Line Meaning
The mist has cleared from Muckish Hill
The fog has lifted from Muckish Hill, signifying a change in the environment.
Our parting coming nearer
We are approaching the end of our time together, separation is imminent.
The last embrace, the final touch
This is the last physical contact we will have, and the end of our emotional connection.
With nothing more to say
We have no more words left to express ourselves or our feelings.
As silence fell around the bridge
The surrounding environment has become quiet and still, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Not a single word was spoken
We have reached a point where words are no longer necessary or effective in conveying our emotions.
A bitter breeze, a lonely stream
The wind is cold and harsh, and the stream is desolate, reflecting our negative emotions.
Echoed through the glen
The sound of the wind and stream reverberates through the valley, emphasizing our isolation and loneliness.
Memories fade with passing age
As time goes by, our memories will gradually become less vivid and eventually forgotten.
In forlorn hope we wait for
We wait with a sense of despair and desperation, hoping for a positive outcome that is unlikely to occur.
Dostant hills still haunt us now
The distant hills symbolize our unfulfilled desires and regrets that continue to have an impact on us.
Until the end of time
Our current emotional state will persist indefinitely, with no sign of resolution or closure.
Droichead na ndeor
The bridge of tears.
Agus droichead na gcaointe
And the bridge of lament.
Droichead na gcaointe
The bridge of grief.
Agus droichead na ndeor
And the bridge of tears.
Droichead na ndeor
The bridge of tears.
Agus droichead na gcaointe
And the bridge of lament.
Droichead na gcaointe
The bridge of grief.
Agus droichead na ndeor
And the bridge of tears.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sir Chess
Clannad and Enya are both amazing. And I'm sure that if there's any form of competition, its only a healthy competition as I imagine they are mutually proud of one another.
Kathleen Murphy
I love this group....and this song. To me it holds a deep spiritual meaning....
Andres Martingano
To me too
Dennis Zerbo
Always one of my favorite Clannad songs, beautiful and lyrically meaningful!
Kathleen Murphy
Me too, Dennis Zerbo.....
Jarrah Woodpixie
I am suprised that this has only had 1723 views as the harmonies are outstanding, such gentle peaceful music.
BusinessMajor2
Not only does Enya come from that group, she comes from that family.
Sean Smith
Song meaning for me the 'bridge' is a person in your relationship, friend, family or spouse.
They help us come through tough times, provided 'compromise' have been reached from both sides 'biggest strength'.
Lara Wagner
The drums...! 😍
Sean Smith
Would loved if Enya made a cover of this song.
Love her family's version is beautiful, but Enya is queen of harmonies.