His best-known solo material is the 1985 UK chart-topping single penned by Maria McKee, "A Good Heart", which went to number one in several countries. His solo work is significantly different from the semi-punk offerings of The Undertones. He also got a UK number 5 in 1986 with "You Little Thief".
Starting in 1992 Sharkey moved into the business side of the music industry, initially as an A&R manager for Polydor Records and then as Managing Director of EXP Ltd. He was appointed a Member of the Radio Authority for five years from December 1998 to December 2003. He then became Chairman of the UK Government task force the 'Live Music Forum' in 2004.
Ashes And Diamonds
Feargal Sharkey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wrap yourself around me now
Hold me close
Just like a little girl
In her daddy's arms
Hold me, hold me
She's got all those things that I need
Ashes and diamonds
(He ever wanted)
Ashes and diamonds
(He ever wanted)
Yeah, yeah
I wonder as you cling to me
And hold me close
Is it here you wanna be
Or in your daddy's arms?
The lyrics of Feargal Sharkey's "Ashes and Diamonds" speak to the complex emotions that come with intimate relationships. The song begins with the singer imploring his lover to "wrap yourself around me now" and hold him close. He compares the sensation to that of a "little girl in her daddy's arms," highlighting the comforting and protective nature of their embrace. But as the song progresses, a note of uncertainty creeps in. The singer wonders whether his lover truly wants to be with him or if she longs to return to the safety of her father's arms. The repeated refrain of "ashes and diamonds" suggests that the relationship is both beautiful and fragile, like a precious gem that could be shattered at any moment.
Overall, "Ashes and Diamonds" is a song about the yearning for connection and the fear of losing it. The imagery of a little girl seeking comfort from her father is particularly poignant, highlighting the vulnerability and tenderness that can exist in romantic relationships. The repeated use of the phrase "hold me" emphasizes the importance of physical closeness and touch in expressing love.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah
Sharkey's enthusiasm for the song and the prospect of the person he's addressing being with him.
Wrap yourself around me now
Requesting the person to hug him tightly.
Hold me close
Repeating his request to hold him tightly.
Just like a little girl
Comparing his neediness for warmth and comfort to that of a child.
In her daddy's arms
Visualizing the comfort one feels when being embraced by their father.
Hold me, hold me
Repeating his request to hold him tightly.
She's got all those things that I need
Recognizing that the person he's addressing has everything he needs and wants from a partner.
(She's got all those things he ever wanted)
Repeating that the person possesses everything he's ever wanted in a partner.
Ashes and diamonds
Comparing the person to a valuable diamond amidst ashes, recognizing their worth amidst everything else.
(He ever wanted)
Reiterating that everything he's ever wanted in a partner is found in the person he's addressing.
Yeah, yeah
Repeating his enthusiasm for the person and the song.
I wonder as you cling to me
Questioning if the person he's addressing truly wants to be with him or if they prefer the comfort of their father.
And hold me close
Repeating that the person is holding him tightly.
Is it here you wanna be
Asking if the person truly wants to be with him in that moment instead of with their father.
Or in your daddy's arms?
Pondering if the person would rather be comforted by their father than him, and highlighting his own insecurity in the relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID ALLAN STEWART, FEARGAL SEAN SHARKEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
George Mathie
Solo feargal Sharkey is brilliant and oh boy what an underrated vocal talent he is
colette duke
just randomly looking through tunes found this was a few yrs back but love it very head catchy song x
colette duke
am I right In thinking new 80s n beginner .you have just started listening to the 80s music .can I ask how old are you or is it yr name
80s beginner
😈
80s beginner
p.s.
I'm too shy, I don't like talking about myself 🤭
colette duke
@80s beginner took me till my 40s to loose my shyness learn to like yr self .my mum said once you listen to the 80s you will never hear .music in the same light
I was born in the 70s raised in the 80 s i am a classic 80s child .if you. weren' haven't been born In the 70s you haven't lived I love faithless .I want to see them live I'm am 49 .my mother is 69 and she does xd