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
Stepping Stone
Clannad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It proved too much for me
I'm looking at an empty shell
The young girl waiting
She's waiting there
With a suit case in her hand
She won't look back on the land
For you it might come true
It's like a stepping stone
You know it's up to you
Just like a stepping stone
You know it might come true.
She wants her freedom
To see with her own eyes
All the cities of the world
And the faces strange to hers
Strange in her eyes.
But with a change of heart
For you it might come true
It's like a stepping stone
You know it's up to you.
With a change of heart
You have to see it through
It's like a stepping stone
You know it's up to you
Just like a stepping stone
You know it might come true.
The song "Stepping Stone" by Clannad tells the story of a young girl who wants to leave home and explore the world. The singer of the song is observing her as she waits with a suitcase in her hand, ready to embark on her journey. The singer recognizes that this situation might prove too much for the girl to handle, as it is not uncommon for people to dream of traveling the world, but not have the courage to follow through. The song suggests that the girl needs a change of heart to make her dream a reality, and that with that change, it might come true.
The lyrics of the song reflect a sense of longing and desire for something greater than what is currently at hand. The girl wants to see the world and all its wonders, and the singer recognizes that as a daunting but worthwhile pursuit. The song suggests that taking a chance and following one's dreams is like stepping onto a stone that leads to an unknown but exciting path. The stepping stone becomes both a metaphor for achieving success and a warning that one must be prepared to face the challenges that come with it.
Overall, "Stepping Stone" is a song about taking risks, following one's heart, and embracing the unknown. It encourages listeners to pursue their passions and make their dreams a reality, even if it means taking on seemingly insurmountable obstacles along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Moving drift wood, stopped and stared
I paused to admire the movement of a piece of wood floating by.
It proved too much for me
The beauty of the moment and my emotions overwhelmed me.
I'm looking at an empty shell
I see a hollow structure with no life or purpose.
The young girl waiting
A girl stands patiently, waiting for something or someone.
She's waiting there
The girl is present and ready for whatever lies ahead.
With a suit case in her hand
She holds a bag or suitcase containing her possessions for the journey.
She won't look back on the land
She has no intention of dwelling on the past or what she's leaving behind.
But with a change of heart
If her perspective changes or her heart shifts, her direction may also change.
For you it might come true
If you believe and take action, your dreams can become reality.
It's like a stepping stone
This moment, this opportunity is a step towards achieving your goals.
You know it's up to you
Ultimately, the outcome depends on the choices and actions you take.
She wants her freedom
The girl desires to be free from whatever confines or restricts her current situation.
To see with her own eyes
She longs to view and experience the world around her on her terms.
All the cities of the world
Her thirst for adventure and discovery includes exploring all of the world's major cities.
And the faces strange to hers
Encountering and interacting with people who are different from herself is also an important part of her journey.
But with a change of heart
If she were to have a change in her perspective or direction, it would alter her journey's outcome.
You have to see it through
To achieve success or reach a desired destination, you must remain committed and see the journey through to the end.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: PAUL HUGH BRENNAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind