Black was born into a musical family. Her father had been a fiddler, her mother a singer, and her brothers have their own group. She sang in her family's group in her youth.
In 1975 Black joined a small folk band called General Humbert, with whom she toured Europe and released two albums, in 1975 and 1978. In 1982 she developed a professional relationship with musician/producer Declan Sinnott and recorded her first solo album, Mary Black.
She went on to play in other groups including the traditional Irish band De Dannan from 1984-1986. After 1986 she had a successful solo career where she went on to try contemporary styles ranging from jazz to country. She was named "Best Female Artist" in the IRMA poll in 1987, 1988, 1992, 1994 and 1996.
She is married to Joe O'Reilly of Dara Records and they have three children. Her son Danny is a member of the Irish rock band The Coronas, while her daughter Róisín is performing under the name Róisín O.
For a number of years, "What Hi-Fi?" magazine considered Black's voice to be so pure that it was used as an audiophile benchmark for comparing the sound quality of different high fidelity systems.
Discography
* 1983 Mary Black
* 1984 Collected
* 1985 Without the Fanfare
* 1987 By the Time it Gets Dark
* 1989 No Frontiers
* 1991 Babes in the Wood
* 1992 The Collection
* 1993 The Holy Ground
* 1995 Circus
* 1997 Shine
* 1999 Speaking with the Angel
* 2001 The Best of Mary Black 1991-2001 & Hidden Harvest
* 2003 Mary Black Live
* 2005 Full Tide
* 2008 Twenty-Five Years Twenty-Five Songs
* 2011 Stories from the Steeples
Trying to Get the Balance Right
Mary Black Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And often there are times when we are enemies
I fight with you, and you fight with me
Trying to get the balance right.
Sometimes we cause each other pain
Sometimes our wills are not the same
And often we tire of the strain
Chorus
Like a circus pair
Hight up in the air
Working on their act
We need that kind of pact
High above the ring
Watch them balancing
See how they unite
We too can get it right.
We don't always seem to get along
And one of us often acts too strong
Sometimes we find we're goin' wrong
Trying to get the balance right.
Chorus
We don't always live in harmony
And often there are times when we are enemies
But I love you and you love me
When we get the balance right
When we get the balance right
We can get the balance right.
Mary Black's Trying to Get the Balance Right is an emotional song that touches upon the struggles and imperfections of relationships. The first stanza sets the tone of the song which highlights the fact that relationships are not always harmonious. There are times when the two people involved become enemies and they fight to get the balance right. It's true that relationships, no matter how deep and loving, can go through tough times that can tear them apart. However, the idea of "balance" suggests that there is a way to reconcile, to find a way to bring the relationship back into harmony after the rough times. While the lyrics do not offer any specific solution, they do suggest that finding balance is the answer.
The chorus of the song is powerful and moving as it makes a beautiful comparison between a circus pair that performs high above the ring and the two people in the relationship trying to find balance. This is a beautiful metaphor that explains the process of finding balance between two individuals in a relationship. It suggests that it is a partnership and requires teamwork, just like in a circus act. The chorus highlights the fact that finding balance is not a one-time event, it is a journey, one that requires constant work and attention.
Overall, the song is a portrayal of the ups and downs of a relationship, and the struggle that comes with trying to maintain balance. However, the beautiful lyrics offer an uplifting message that with hard work, perseverance, and love, it is possible to find balance and keep a relationship thriving.
Line by Line Meaning
We don't always live in harmony
Our relationship is not always peaceful
And often there are times when we are enemies
There are moments where we act against each other
I fight with you, and you fight with me
We both engage in conflict and arguments
Trying to get the balance right.
We're striving to find a harmonious balance
Sometimes we cause each other pain
Our actions inflict emotional harm upon each other
Sometimes our wills are not the same
We sometimes have opposing desires or goals
And often we tire of the strain
The conflicts and struggles we face are exhausting
Trying to get the balance right.
Despite the difficulties, we continue to work towards balance
Like a circus pair
Similar to acrobats performing in a circus
Hight up in the air
Performing feats high above the ground
Working on their act
Dedicated to perfecting their performance
We need that kind of pact
We require a similar level of commitment to each other
High above the ring
In the midst of our struggles and challenges
Watch them balancing
See how they successfully maintain balance and unity
See how they unite
They are able to come together and work as a cohesive team
We too can get it right.
We too can achieve a harmonious balance in our relationship
We don't always seem to get along
Our relationship is not always smooth and easy
And one of us often acts too strong
One of us tends to dominate or exert control over the other
Sometimes we find we're goin' wrong
Occasionally we realize that our actions or decisions are causing harm
Trying to get the balance right.
Despite the setbacks, we continue to strive for a balanced relationship
But I love you and you love me
We share a deep emotional connection
When we get the balance right
Once we achieve a harmonious balance
When we get the balance right
We will experience a happier and more fulfilling relationship
We can get the balance right.
It is possible for us to achieve balance and harmony in our relationship
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Maureen Smith
on Bruach na Carraige Baine
So beautiful!