Muireann's first recordings were on a CD of Irish traditional music and song performed by Geantraí, a group of musicians who performed a show of the same name in the Skellig hotel in Dingle. She also recorded on a number of CDs including The Crooked Road by William Coulter, Cello by Barry Phillips, and several compilation CDs. As part of the requirements for her MA in traditional music performance, Muireann produced a solo album of tunes and songs, entitled Réalt na Maidine/Morning Star. A limited edition of this album was distributed, mainly locally in Dingle, although copies were also sold in the United States and Europe.
Muireann's joining of traditional Irish supergroup Danú in 2003 marked a new departure in her musical career. Ciarán O Gealbháin, Danú's former lead singer, left the band in 2003, and Muireann took over as singer and whistle player, occasionally joining band member Tom Doorley in playing the flute. She recorded her first album with Danú in 2003, called The Road Less Travelled (The American release of the album spelled the title Traveled). The addition of Nic Amhlaoibh to the band lineup was hailed as a success. Danú recorded an album of solos in 2004, entitled Up In The Air, and Muireann played and sang on three tracks. 2005 saw the band release the album When All is Said and Done. Muireann participated in the project Hands Across the Water. This was a collaboration album with participation from dozens of high profile traditional and folk musicians and singers, with the proceeds of album sales going to victims of the tsunami in southeast Asia. Muireann released her first major solo CD in 2006, entitled Daybreak/Fáinne an Lae. It featured musicians such as Oisín Mc Auley and Eamonn Doorley from Danú, Gerry O Beirne, and John Doyle from Solas.
Muireann's television appearances include The Highland Sessions, a BBC Four television series featuring Irish and Scottish Gaelic music. Other television work work includes The Late Late Show, Amuigh Faoin Spéir by Éamonn de Buitléir, The History of Irish Dance, Léargas, and An Ghaeilge Bheo. Radio work includes Rattlebag and The Late Session with Aine Hensey on RTE, and An Saol ó Dheas on Radio na Gaeltachta.
Persuasion
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tempted by the promise of a different life
Time has fled
There's a constant battle running through my head
I don't know what to do
'Cause I still believe
After all the foolish things you put me through
And I'll always be someone who's open to
Persuasion
Blind romance
There'll be no half measures given half a chance
But we never learn
Trusting in the fire while the cruel flames burn
We need to rebuild
What was never there
What got left behind
After all the foolish things that we've been through
I could always make a start on something new
And I'll always be someone who's open to
Persuasion
And it's written in my heart
So that everyone can see it
And it's written in my soul
After all, I still believe it
I still believe it
I still believe it
I don't know what to do
'Cause I still believe
After all the foolish things that we've been through
I can always make a start on something new
And I'll always be someone who's open to
Persuasion
Persuasion
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh's song "Persuasion" speaks to the experience of being tempted by the promise of a different life, but ultimately feeling torn between the weight of past hurt and the openness to new possibility. The lyrics convey the struggle of being stuck between two worlds - the familiar, even if it's painful, and the unknown, even if it's exciting. The singer acknowledges that they don't know what to do, but they still believe, exemplifying the powerful force that optimism can have in the face of uncertainty.
The themes explored in this song - love, loss, and the battle between holding on and letting go - are universal and deeply relatable. Through the artful use of metaphor and imagery, "Persuasion" captures the complexity of the human heart and how we navigate the rocky terrain of relationships. It's a song that speaks to the power of hope, even when the present may feel overwhelming or uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
You and I
The singer and another person, possibly a lover or friend, are the subjects of the song.
Tempted by the promise of a different life
They are both drawn to the idea of change and something new in life.
Time has fled
Time has passed quickly and they are stuck in their current situation.
There's a constant battle running through my head
The singer is struggling with her thoughts and emotions, uncertain about what to do.
I don't know what to do
The singer is lost and doesn't have a clear plan of action.
'Cause I still believe
Despite her uncertainty, the singer still has hope and faith in something.
After all the foolish things you put me through
The singer has been hurt in the past by someone and is willing to start again with someone new.
I can always make a start on something new
The singer is optimistic and willing to take the initiative to make positive changes.
And I'll always be someone who's open to
The singer is willing to listen and be receptive to new ideas and possibilities.
Persuasion
The singer is open to being convinced or guided by others in order to move forward.
Blind romance
The singer is aware of the risks of jumping into relationships without caution or clarity.
There'll be no half measures given half a chance
The singer won't settle for half-hearted or incomplete attempts at love.
But we never learn
Despite their past experiences, the singer acknowledges that they may repeat their mistakes.
Trusting in the fire while the cruel flames burn
The singer acknowledges that sometimes passion can lead to heartbreak and pain.
We need to rebuild
The singer believes that moving forward requires a conscious effort to mend what's broken.
What was never there
The singer acknowledges that sometimes relationships lack a strong foundation or were never meant to be.
What got left behind
The singer recognizes what they have lost or sacrificed in their quest for something better.
And it's written in my heart
The singer feels passionately about their beliefs and emotions.
So that everyone can see it
The singer isn't afraid to share their feelings and be vulnerable with others.
And it's written in my soul
The singer's emotions and beliefs run deep and are fundamental to their being.
After all, I still believe it
Despite everything that's happened, the singer still has faith in something.
I still believe it
The singer reiterates their strong belief in their own resilience and willingness to change.
Writer(s): Tim Finn Copyright: Rebel Larynx Music
Contributed by Abigail D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.