They are contemporaries of fellow Celtic artists Enya and Clannad; however, Iona's works are also influenced heavily by jazz-fusion, prog-rock and ancient Christian themes.
For Iona's 1990 debut album, the band added: drummer Terl Bryant, bassist Nick Beggs (former bassist of Kajagoogoo) and several studio musicians -- Fiona Davidson (Celtic harp), Peter Whitfield (strings), Troy Donockley (Uillean pipes) and Frank Van Essen (tuned percussion). The self-titled album received very little press, even in their home country, though a Dutch network compiled a documentary based on Iona, the band and the island.
Two years later, Iona returned with "Book of Kells", and the album was praised by North American critics
as well as those of the British Isles. David Fitzgerald left in 1992 to pursue a degree in music and, as a result, Iona lost much of its jazz influences by the following year's Beyond These Shores. The group made up for Fitzgerald's absence, however, by inviting Robert Fripp to guest on the album. Both albums also featured former Kajagoogoo bassist/stickist Nick Beggs. A contract with England's Alliance Music led to "Journey into the Morn"; the album was released in 1996 in the U.S. and Canada, and was listed among the top five folk albums in Q Magazine's Year End Review. "Heaven's Bright Sun", a live album, came the following year, then "Woven Cord" in 2000, and "Open Sky" in 2001.
Their latest release, new to 2007, is called "The Circling Hour".
iona has been a Leipzig, Germany based postrock-band from 2005-2010 that now reemerges as The Yuki Rush. https://ionanoise.bandcamp.com/album/a-noise
There is also a Romanian experimental / hip hop band who also go by the name "Iona",
Murlough Bay
Iona Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With the shades of time
Trees here have weathered
A storm or two
Waves that have pounded
Upon this land
Shaping the rocks that surround you
I'm on my own with you
Here is a place
You could write or paint pictures
And dream that the troubles will end
Here is a place where we join our hands
In a love we defend
Here we can bathe
In a love that's Divine
Here we can know
I am yours, you are mine
Here in Your arms
That are faithful and strong
Here with You
This is where I belong
The lyrics to Iona's song Murlough Bay describe the raw beauty and strength of nature, and how it has shaped the landscape around them. The stones and trees have withstood the test of time and weathered countless storms, while the waves have relentlessly pounded the land and shaped the rocks. This serves as a metaphor for the resilience and strength of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.
The singer finds solace in this rugged yet serene environment, where they can finally be alone with their thoughts and feelings. They describe it as a place where one could find inspiration to create art, and dream of a better future where troubles are no more. The lyrics also convey a sense of love and unity, as the singer joins hands with their partner and bathes in a love that is Divine. They feel safe and protected in each other's arms, and know that this is where they belong.
Overall, Murlough Bay is a powerful ode to the beauty of nature and the enduring strength of love. It encourages the listener to find peace and solace in nature, and to cherish the love and bonds that sustain us through difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
The stones here are coloured
The stones in this area have been marked with different colors over time, indicating their age and the changes that have taken place in this location.
With the shades of time
The colors on the stones here are the result of the passage of time and its many effects on this environment.
Trees here have weathered
The trees in this area have endured and survived difficult conditions, such as strong winds, extreme temperatures, harsh weather, etc.
A storm or two
These trees have experienced several rough seasons, suggesting their strength and resilience.
Waves that have pounded
The waves of the sea that have hit this land have had a significant impact on the terrain we see here.
Upon this land
This has been done by the sea, which has been shaping the rocks and cliffs in this area for many years.
Shaping the rocks that surround you
The waves have been instrumental in altering the landscape of this location, molding the rocks and stones around us into the forms that we see now.
And here at last
Finally, I've arrived at this location.
I'm on my own with you
I'm alone with the person I love, which allows us to enjoy the solitude and beauty of this place together.
Here is a place
This location can be a sanctuary for people seeking refuge from life's troubles and worries.
You could write or paint pictures
The beauty of this location is such that it can inspire people to create art and express themselves creatively.
And dream that the troubles will end
This place can offer people solace, enabling them to escape from their problems and hope for a better future.
Here is a place where we join our hands
This location allows for us to come together with the people we love, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships in a beautiful environment.
In a love we defend
We will fight to protect and cherish the love that we share, regardless of whatever challenges and obstacles we may face.
Here we can bathe
Here, we're able to cleanse ourselves and feel nourished by a higher power.
In a love that's Divine
The love that we share is beyond human comprehension, something that is spiritual and transcendent.
Here we can know
This location allows us to understand ourselves, our partner, and the universe in a much deeper and meaningful way.
I am yours, you are mine
Our relationship is one of complete and mutual commitment, with each person giving their love fully to the other.
Here in Your arms
We feel safe and protected in the embrace of a higher power, that of the Divine.
That are faithful and strong
The love and support that we receive from the Divine is steadfast and unwavering, helping us to overcome whatever challenges we may experience.
Here with You
In this location, we are united with our Divine spirit, surrounding us with a comforting sense of peace and love.
This is where I belong
This place feels like home, a refuge and a sanctuary where we can recharge our batteries and connect with our innermost thoughts and feelings.
Contributed by Keira G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alyson Kelly
on Revelation
Revelation
by Iona
____________________________________________________
Waiting for the Spirit of Truth to tell
Power on Earth to stand in the face of hell
Waiting for the sky to clear
Waiting for the Son to appear
Waiting to see you
Waiting to hear you
Waiting for vision
To see your, your
Revelation
Learning the purifying flame
Regeneration after the growing pain
Longing for the words to flow
Longing for the world to know
Waiting to see you
Waiting to hear you
Waiting for vision
To see your, your
Revelation
Waiting to see you
Waiting to hear you
Waiting for vision
To see your, your
Revelation
Waiting to see you
Waiting to hear you
Waiting for vision
To see your, your
Revelation
Waiting to see you
Waiting to hear you
Waiting for vision
To see your, your, your, your
Revelation