Clannad, whose name is taken from an Clann as Dobhar meaning the family from Dore, was formed by the Brennan family in 1970. MΓ‘ire, CiarΓ‘n and PΓ³l Brennan joined uncles Noel and PΓ‘draig Duggan and began performing in their father Leo's tavern. MΓ‘ire's sister, Enya, joined the band in 1979 and left three years later to pursue a successful solo career. MΓ‘ire has also enjoyed a simultaneous career as a solo singer, starting with her 1992 album entitled MΓ‘ire, 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 FadΓ³ 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 (MΓ‘ire's) sister and goddaughter is the musician BrΓdΓn 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 NΓ‘dΓΊr (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 β The Pretty Maid (Clannad)
* 1974 β Clannad 2
* 1976 β DΓΊlamΓ‘n
* 1978 β Clannad in Concert [live]
* 1979 β Ring Of Gold [live, unofficial bootleg]
* 1980 β Crann Γll
* 1982 β Fuaim
* 1983 β Magical Ring
* 1984 β Legend [soundtrack]
* 1985 β Macalla
* 1987 β Sirius
* 1987 β The Collection [collection]
* 1988 β Atlantic Realm [soundtrack]
* 1989 β Pastpresent [collection]
* 1989 β The Angel and the Soldier Boy [soundtrack]
* 1992 β Anam
* 1993 β Banba
* 1995 β Lore
* 1995 β Themes [collection]
* 1997 β Landmarks
* 1997 β Rogha: The Best of Clannad [collection]
* 1998 β An Diolaim [collection]
* 2003 β The Best of Clannad: In A Lifetime [collection]
* 2005 β Clannad - Live In Concert, 1996 [live]
* NΓ‘dΓΊr (2013)
Official website: www.clannad.ie
Northern Skyline: www.clannad.org.uk
Struggle
Clannad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Covered with moss
And see the gray stones
Green as luscious fields in sight
A dark moonlight night
When the past flashes by
Coming from the heavens like a falling star
That you wish upon
To find a good friend?
Isn't it a struggle
To have to defend
Isn't it a struggle
You have to take that chance to lend a hand
Well I'm traveling down a dirty road
Clearing up all that's known
A misty occurrence happens all the time
Around every corner a brighter day lies
Loads of mercy, beauty beholds
An eye for a partner as good, as good as gold
Green as luscious fields in sight
A dark moonlight night
When the past flashes by
Coming from the heavens like a falling star
That you wish upon
Isn't it a struggle
To find a good friend?
Isn't it a struggle?
To have to defend?
Isn't it a struggle
You have to take that chance to lend a head
Isn't it a struggle
To find a good friend?
Isn't it a struggle?
To have to defend?
The song "Struggle" by Clannad explores the theme of friendship and the struggles that come with it. The lyrics describe a journey down a dirty road, which is covered with moss and gray stones. However, amidst this bleak landscape, there are green and luscious fields in sight, representing hope and beauty. The singer reflects on the past that flashes by like a falling star and the struggles of finding a good friend and having to defend oneself. The song acknowledges that these struggles are part of life, but it also encourages the listener to take chances and lend a helping hand to others.
It is interesting to note that the song was released in 1979 as part of Clannad's debut album, "Clannad". This album put the Irish band on the map and established them as one of the leading lights of Celtic music. Moreover, the album featured the haunting vocals of Maire Brennan, who would later emerge as the band's lead singer and most recognizable member. Another interesting fact is that the band consisted of siblings, including Moya, CiarΓ‘n, PΓ³l, and Noel Γ DΓΊgain.
Furthermore, the song's lyrics were written by SeΓ‘n Γ Riada, an Irish composer and arranger who played a crucial role in the revival of traditional Irish music. He was responsible for introducing elements of Irish folk music into contemporary classical music, and his compositions had a profound impact on the Irish music scene. Clannad was heavily influenced by Γ Riada's work, and it's not surprising that they covered one of his songs on their debut album.
In addition, the song's arrangement is notable for its use of traditional Irish instruments such as the uilleann pipes, fiddle, and bodhrΓ‘n. This creates a unique sound that blends folk and contemporary music styles. The song also features the signature ethereal vocals of Maire Brennan, which would become one of the hallmarks of the band's sound.
Overall, "Struggle" is a poignant song that captures the struggles of making meaningful connections with others in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The song's haunting melody, emotive vocals, and evocative lyrics make it a standout track on Clannad's debut album.
Chords (source: ultimate-guitar.com)
Verse: Am - D - G - C - G - D - Am
Chorus: C - G - Am - F - C - G - Am - C - G - Am - F - C - G - Am.
Line by Line Meaning
Traveling down a dirty road
I am on a journey down a rough path
Covered with moss
The path is overgrown and unkempt
And see the gray stones
There are stones along the path that are gray in color
Green as luscious fields in sight
Despite the rough path, there are patches of green grass that are beautiful to see
A dark moonlight night
It is a dark and probably lonely night
When the past flashes by
Memories of the past come rushing into my mind
Coming from the heavens like a falling star
The memories are very vivid and appear suddenly
That you wish upon
They are memories that I may want to relive or change
Isn't it a struggle
Isn't it difficult
To find a good friend?
To find someone who is trustworthy and a true friend
To have to defend
To have to protect oneself or something important
You have to take that chance to lend a hand
You have to be willing to help others and take the risk of being hurt or rejected
Clearing up all that's known
I am trying to make sense of everything that has happened in the past
A misty occurrence happens all the time
There is always some sort of obstacle or problem that comes up
Around every corner a brighter day lies
Despite the challenges, there is always hope for a better future
Loads of mercy, beauty beholds
There is a lot of kindness and beauty in the world despite the struggles
An eye for a partner as good, as good as gold
There is someone out there who will be a loyal and trustworthy friend or partner
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CIARAN MARION BRENNAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind