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.
Western Highway
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the mountains to the sea
And there's a song on the western highway
That's saying I will be free
The sky is fading to the color of the valley
Dust of angels and dust of dreams
And your city lights will shine until tomorrow
But your light is brighter than
Anything I've ever seen
And I hear your voice on every station
Singing out of your dreams
Here I am, on the road again
The song began and then in the end
I was standing by, I was standing by the sea
And by the roadside the trees are shimmering
Black and silver in the cold night air
And under the moon a new song is singing
Saying I will meet you there
And your light is brighter than
Anything I've ever seen
And I hear your voice on every station
Singing out of your dream
Here I am, on the road again
The song began but then in the end
I was standing by, I was standing by the sea
And your light is brighter than
Anything I've ever seen
And I hear your voice on every station
Singing out of your dreams
Here I am, on the road again
The song began and then in the end
I was standing by, I was standing by the sea
1
In Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh’s song “Western Highway,” the lyrics are about a driver traveling on a highway from the mountains to the sea on the western coast of Ireland. The driver hears a song that reminds him or her of being free. As the song progresses, it becomes apparent that the driver is leaving his or her hometown and heading towards the city. The city is a place that represents a new beginning, a place of hope, and opportunity. The driver is inspired by the city and its lights, but also, the driver is aware that once he or she arrives in the city, he or she will not be the same person who left the hometown.
The lyrics speak of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of embracing new experiences. The driver realizes that he or she is leaving everything familiar behind and heading towards something new, but also that he or she will never forget where he or she came from. The city is a place of possibility, but the driver is also aware of the challenges that he or she will face once there.
In essence, “Western Highway” is a song about journeying, leaving the past behind, and looking forward to the future. It is about facing new experiences, taking risks, and embracing the unknown. The lyrics speak to those who are moving towards a new chapter in their lives or those who are embarking on a journey to an unknown destination. Ultimately, the song is about the beauty and the significance of the journey itself.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a driver on a western highway
I am traveling on a road that leads to the west and I am the one operating the vehicle
From the mountains to the sea
I am passing through an area that extends from highlands to the ocean
And there's a song on the western highway
I am hearing a melody that is closely associated with this route
That's saying I will be free
The lyrics of the song convey a message of liberty
The sky is fading to the color of the valley
The sky is changing its hue to match the shades of the adjacent landscape
Dust of angels and dust of dreams
The natural dust particles combine with my hopes and aspirations
And your city lights will shine until tomorrow
Your urban illumination will remain visible until the start of another day
And I will not be here
I will not be present in this area at the time when your city lights are illuminated
But your light is brighter than
The brightness of your city lights surpasses
Anything I've ever seen
Anything I have witnessed till this moment
And I hear your voice on every station
Your voice can be heard on every radio channel
Singing out of your dreams
Your singing voice conveys the content of your dreams
Here I am, on the road again
I am continuing to travel on my journey
The song began and then in the end
The melody started playing and eventually stopped
I was standing by, I was standing by the sea
I was present near the ocean where I stopped during my travels
And by the roadside the trees are shimmering
I observe the trees glittering on the side of the road
Black and silver in the cold night air
The foliage appears to be both black and silver under the chilly nighttime atmosphere
And under the moon a new song is singing
A fresh melody is playing beneath the moonlight
Saying I will meet you there
The lyrics of the newest song are telling me that we will rendezvous there
Contributed by Charlie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.