Malachi was working as a gas fitter when he auditioned and was selected to appear on the first series of Fame Academy in 2002. This was the first time he had ever left Ireland. During the show he recorded several tracks which later appeared on the album Fame Academy Finalists, released in December 2002.
After coming fifth on Fame Academy he took part in a tour of the UK together with other finalists and was given a solo recording contract with Mercury. In March 2003, '"Keep Me A Secret" sung by Ainslie Henderson, a song that he co-wrote on the show with Henderson and Sinéad Quinn, charted at no 5 in the UK. His debut album Malachi, (released on the UMTV label) consisting mainly of covers and songs he had sung on the show, came out in March 2003, and was the first solo album to be released from any of the Fame Academy contestants. It reached 17 in the UK charts and sales topped 100,000, for which he received a silver disc. The first single from this album, the self-penned "Just Say You Love Me", failed to chart significantly in the UK but reached number 1 in Thailand. In November 2003 he visited Bangkok where he performed at several concerts, met fans and took part in radio and TV interviews.
On his return he was asked to support the BBC Children in Need Project along with Girls Aloud and Westlife at the live nationwide broadcast from the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. He was also appointed a Patron of the autism charity "Impact Trust" and took part in many of their fund raising activities.
Early in 2004 he made a solo tour of Northern Ireland, which included a concert at the Waterside Hall, Belfast. He was awarded Best Irish Newcomer at the Irish World Awards in London in February 2005. After acting as guest presenter on BBC Radio Ulster, he also received an award for most popular radio presenter 2005.
In December 2005 he took part in the Young Voices concert at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, performing with the African Children's choir and other young singers to a capacity audience of 8,000. He also played the lead role of Charles Charming in pantomime for the Bardaic Theatre company in Northern Ireland.
After parting with Mercury, he signed with the specialist Irish music label "Emerald". In October 2005, under the name "Malachi", he released his second album, Celtic Heartbeat (Where the Heart Is), consisting of traditional Irish songs. He has also recorded two songs which appear on George Best - The Tribute Album.
Malachi Cush now works mainly in Northern Ireland, performing live, supporting many charitable projects and presenting regularly on radio and television.
On February 18, 2007, "Until We Meet Again", a song co-written by Cush and fellow Irish songwriter Don Maskill, was voted runner-up in the Eurosong 2007, the show to select Ireland's entry for the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest.[1] He is currently recording his new album, which is hoped to be in stores around September /October.
Shenandoah
Malachi Cush Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I long to hear you
Away
You rolling river
Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Away
We're bound away
Cross the wide
Oh Shenandoah,
I love your daughter
Away
You rolling river
Oh Shenandoah,
I love your daughter
Away
We're bound away
Cross the wide
Missouri
Oh Shenandoah,
I'm bound to leave you
Away
You rolling river
Oh Shenandoah,
I'll not deceive
Away
We're bound away
Cross the wide
Missouri
End
The lyrics of Malachi Cush's song Shenandoah describe the longing for the Shenandoah River and the desire to leave and explore. The singer expresses a deep connection and love for the river and its daughter, but must leave and cross the wide Missouri. Despite the sadness that comes with leaving, the singer promises not to deceive and remains committed to their journey. The way in which the lyrics are written suggests that the Shenandoah River represents both nostalgia and hope for the singer. The river calls to them, but they must leave in order to fulfill their journey.
The lyrics may be interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience. The Shenandoah may represent the past, the present, or even the future. It may symbolize something that we long for but must leave behind in order to grow and explore. The lyrics suggest that we must remain true to our commitments, even as we move forward and face new challenges. Overall, the song encourages listeners to embrace change and remain open to new experiences, while cherishing the memories of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Shenandoah,
Addressing the Shenandoah river with respect and admiration
I long to hear you
Expressing a deep yearning to hear the sound of the river
Away
Emphasizing the distance between the singer and the river
You rolling river
Complimenting the river's constant movement and flow
Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Reiterating the artist's desire to hear the river
Away
Again emphasizing the distance between the singer and the river
We're bound away
Acknowledging the journey the singer is on
Cross the wide Missouri
Revealing the destination of the artist's journey
Oh Shenandoah,
Addressing the river again with fondness
I love your daughter
Expressing romantic feelings towards a woman associated with the river
Away
Again highlighting the distance between the singer and the river
You rolling river
Repeating the earlier compliment towards the river's movement
Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Reiterating the romantic feelings towards the woman associated with the river
Away
Still emphasizing the distance between the singer and the river
We're bound away
Maintaining the acknowledgement of the journey ahead
Cross the wide Missouri
Repeating the destination of the artist's journey
Oh Shenandoah,
Addressing the river yet again
I'm bound to leave you
Acknowledging the singer's required departure from the river and its associated woman
Away
Further emphasizing the separation between the singer and the river
You rolling river
Finalizing the earlier compliment towards the constant motion of the river
Oh Shenandoah, I'll not deceive
Promising to not be deceitful towards the river or its associated woman
Away
Ending with one last emphasis on the distance between the artist and the river
We're bound away
Concluding with a final reminder of the journey ahead
Cross the wide Missouri
Finalizing the artist's destination
Contributed by Joseph B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.