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
The Other Side
Clannad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A game of love is a two way street
And from above there comes inspiration
Darkest clouds will disappear
Take it down put it in your diary
Come around to the pleasant side
Put it down to another experience
Fallen words from a broken framework
Touching hearts scribbled on a street
And from above here comes inspiration
Darkest clouds will disappear
Take it down put it in your diary
Come around to the pleasant side
Put it down to another experience
Come around to the other side
The Clannad song "The Other Side" is a reflective and inspiring anthem that speaks to anyone who has experienced heartbreak, disappointment or a major setback in life. The lyrics speak to the challenge of letting go of something that once seemed so important but has now slipped away, an experience that can feel devastating, daunting and disorienting. The song offers some comfort and guidance, suggesting that we can find hope and healing by looking upward, embracing the support of others, and recognizing that there is always another side to any situation.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for this message, as the singer acknowledges the intense longing that can come when something we deeply desire is suddenly out of reach. The song then shifts into a more hopeful mode, with the singer urging listeners to see love as a mutual experience, one that requires us to both give and receive. The phrase "from above there comes inspiration" suggests that there is a higher power or divine force that can offer support and solace in difficult times, and that even the darkest emotional clouds will eventually lift.
One of the most powerful aspects of the song is its emphasis on the power of writing and reflection. The lines "Take it down put it in your diary" and "Put it down to another experience" suggest that journaling and self-reflection can be important tools for healing and growth. The song also portrays the act of writing as a way of connecting with others, as when the singer refers to "fallen words from a broken framework" and "touching hearts scribbled on a street." Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to embrace the other side of experiences, to see them as a source of wisdom, resilience and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
When it's gone and you want it so badly
Reflecting on the feeling of wanting something that is no longer available
A game of love is a two way street
Understanding that love requires mutual effort and participation from both parties
And from above there comes inspiration
Finding inspiration from a higher power or external source
Darkest clouds will disappear
Knowing that even in difficult times, better days will come
Take it down put it in your diary
Recording experiences and memories to reflect upon later
Come around to the pleasant side
Choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life
Put it down to another experience
Recognizing that every experience, positive or negative, contributes to personal growth
Come around to the other side
Transitioning from a negative mindset to a more positive one
Fallen words from a broken framework
Words that are no longer true or relevant due to a change in circumstances or perspective
Touching hearts scribbled on a street
Meaningful messages and connections that can be found anywhere, even in unexpected places
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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