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
Strange Land
Clannad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Hard to tell your point of view)
He's to blame
A promise made, a dream of hope
(Know exactly what to do)
It's all the same
In this strange land
Set within the other side
(Everything is on my side)
My Lionheart
Death and danger is defied
(Death and danger is defied)
My lover in light
In this strange land
This strange land
In this strange land
In this strange land
The lyrics to Clannad's song "Strange Land" depict a sense of confusion and uncertainty, as the singer tries to communicate their perspective to a person of authority, represented metaphorically by a knight in gold. The singer claims that the knight is to blame for a broken promise and shattered dreams, while acknowledging the difficulty in sharing their own point of view. Despite this, the singer asserts that they know exactly what to do, suggesting a desire to take control of their situation.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the theme of disorientation and displacement, as the singer describes the setting as a "strange land" multiple times. However, the singer also expresses a sense of determination and bravery in facing the unknown, with references to a Lionheart and defying death and danger. The final line, "My lover in light," adds a note of tenderness and possibly hope in the midst of uncertainty.
Overall, "Strange Land" is a beautifully haunting song that captures a complex emotional landscape, blending elements of courage, uncertainty, frustration, and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Try to tell a knight in gold
It's difficult to communicate with someone who appears to be strong and wealthy
He's to blame
He is responsible for a situation
A promise made, a dream of hope
There was a commitment made with a vision for a positive future
It's all the same
Nothing has changed, everything is still the same
In this strange land
The current location is unfamiliar and unknown
This strange land
This location is different from what is considered 'normal'
Set within the other side
The location is situated in a different world or reality
My Lionheart
I am brave and fearless like a lion
Death and danger is defied
I have overcome death and danger
My lover in light
My significant other is a source of light and positivity in this strange land
In this strange land
The current location continues to be unfamiliar and unknown
In this strange land
The sense of unfamiliarity in this location persists
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL HUGH BRENNAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind