Sacrifice
SINEAD O_CONNOR Lyrics


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It's a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation's strong

Into the boundaries
Of each married man
Sweet deceit comes callin'
And negativity lands

Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better baby
Just passin' through

And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts living
In two separate worlds
And it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
No sacrifice at all

Mutual misunderstandings
After the fact
Sensitivity builds a prison
In the final act

We lose direction
No stone unturned
No tears to damn you
When jealousy burns

Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better baby
Just passing through

And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts living
In two separate worlds
But it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
No sacrifice at all

I gave my heart
I gave my heart
I gave my heart
I gave my heart
I gave my heart
I gave my heart




I gave my heart
I gave my heart

Overall Meaning

In "Sacrifice," Sinéad O'Connor describes the complexities of romantic relationships. She sings about the signs that indicate when things are going wrong, such as the lingering scent of someone who is not one's partner and the temptation that arises from that. O'Connor also addresses the issue of infidelity, describing how married men may be called by "sweet deceit" and negativity, leading to misunderstandings and sensitivity that ultimately create a prison in the relationship. The final act brings the loss of direction, jealousy burns, and no tears to damn you.


The chorus of "Sacrifice" is perhaps the most memorable part of the song as O'Connor sings that it's "no sacrifice" to love someone in two different worlds. She explains that the love between the two may be a simple word, a mutual misunderstanding, or even a prison. At the same time, there's no sacrifice in this love as it is a natural part of life that requires no additional effort.


Overall, "Sacrifice" is a poignant song about love, its complexities, and its inevitable challenges. It's a commentary on the struggle to maintain one's moral compass and to maintain a healthy and loving relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

It's a human sign
When things go awry or people are distressed, it's a natural indication that something is wrong.


When things go wrong
When things don't go according to plan, people start feeling uneasy or unhappy about the situation.


When the scent of her lingers
When the aroma of the person lingers in one's memory even after they leave, it typically implies a deep connection with that person.


And temptation's strong
When there is a lot of pressure to do something immoral or illegal in the presence of someone you are attracted to, it can be quite challenging to resist the pull.


Into the boundaries
When people move to a particular place or territory, they typically have to conform to a set of values or obligations as members of that society.


Of each married man
Despite being married, some men may have affairs or seek extramarital relationships, which can cause problems within their relationship and their life in general.


Sweet deceit comes callin'
People are often tempted to lie or deceive others for personal gain, but such behaviour can have serious consequences for all involved.


And negativity lands
Negative thoughts can come and go at any time, often leaving a lasting impact on people and their mental wellbeing.


Cold, cold heart
This line suggests that the person speaking feels rejected or hurt by someone they once had feelings for.


Hard done by you
This could imply that the person speaking feels wronged, persecuted or dismissed by the person they were in a relationship with.


Some things look better baby
This line suggests that the person speaking is trying to move on from a past relationship, perhaps by convincing themselves that they're better off without their ex-partner.


Just passin' through
This line implies that the person speaking doesn't intend to stay in that place or feeling for an extended period of time and that they will soon be moving on to something new.


And it's no sacrifice
Despite the struggles and difficult relationships, the person speaking doesn't view the situation as a sacrifice, but rather as a natural part of life.


Just a simple word
The term 'sacrifice' is a term that the person feels doesn't fit the relationships in question, insisting that there is nothing too difficult or unusual about them.


It's two hearts living
This line suggests that the relationship was two people with separate lives coming together for a while, perhaps with no intention of being together forever.


In two separate worlds
These 'separate worlds' could refer to distinct differences or incompatibilities between two people such as cultural or familial backgrounds, personality types or life aspirations.


No sacrifice at all
Again, this line implies that whatever happened in the relationship is a small issue, rather than some big sacrifice or hardship.


Mutual misunderstandings
This line suggests that disagreements and lack of communication may have led to the end of the relationship in question.


After the fact
This means the damage or breakup already happened, and it's too late to fix things.


Sensitivity builds a prison
The hurt and pain caused by a breakup or damaged relationship is only being mentally internalized, which can be self-isolating and debilitating.


In the final act
This line suggests that the damage is complete and irreparable, and the two people in question aren't mutually agreed in matters of the relationship.


We lose direction
The couple did not end in good terms, and this caused them to lose their direction, focus or the meaning of the relationship they once had.


No stone unturned
The lovers are now fully invested in mistreating and hurting each other, leaving nothing unturned no matter how harmful it may be.


No tears to damn you
The people involved in the relationship have given up trying to resolve the issues they have and have cried nothing for the wrongdoings.


When jealousy burns
Once trust flees from a relationship, it's then succeeded by suspicion, doubt, and jealousy.


I gave my heart
This line suggests that the person speaking invested a lot into the relationship and hoped that it would work out.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNIE TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@frankpaul3479

agree with everything you write kathy.
plus no one, and i mean no one {other than maybe the pet shop boys, lol} can take someone else's song and make it their own.
usually i find cover versions a complete waste of time, but she takes this, claims it and improves it.
how much more of a legacy can you ask for?

what a privilege the rest of us have had to listen to her music over the years, and i'm deeply saddened to know that they'll be no new music from this genius, whose only crime was to be born a woman {more on the oppression of women since the fable of adam and eve was made up for another time, perhaps}. any man would have been deemed a hero to have spoken out about the atrocities of life {most especially the hypocrisy of the catholic 'faith' which most assuredly has soooo much to answer to, but many other issues too: 'black boys on mopeds' as a prime example}. her stand on issues should have been commended, not condemned.

one day we will look back at her 'rantings', and announce that she was a highly evolved spirit. we may even declare: saint sinead {perhaps that's going a bit far, lol}

fantastically sadly sung, and may the good god above, below, beyond and within us all take the spirit of this delightful singer and bring her eternal peace.

thanks for posting this incredible song,
love and peace to you and all,
xxxxxxx



@ugocrespini

It's a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation's strong
Into the boundary
Of each married man
Deceit comes calling
And negativity lands
Cold cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better, baby
Just passing through
And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
Two hearts living
In two separate worlds
And it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
No sacrifice at all
Mutual misunderstanding
After the fact
Sensitivity builds a prison
In the final act
We lose direction
No stone unturned
No tears to damn you
When jealousy burns
Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better, baby
Just passin' through
And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
Two hearts livin'
In two separate worlds
And, it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
No sacrifice, at all
I give my heart
I give my heart
I give my heart
I give my heart...



@frankpaul3479

@@PeterYates-kb4hp hello there again peter.
my first reaction:
whaaaaat? sinead did a cover version of this too?

so of course i've listened to it already.

well, it was always going to be a hard sell. you just happened to have choosen my all time favourite band BY FAR. like ever. so i tried to listen as impartially as i could.


but this didn't quite do it for me.
her singing is good, and i enjoyed the couple of variations to the original.

but unlike 'nothing compares' and 'sacrifice' where she takes those already great songs and owns them, she really didn't do enough of this this time for me.

hope we can still be cyber friends, lol

cheers.



All comments from YouTube:

@fadbaguni

I was the keyboard player on this recording, and it was a real pleasure to be standing next to her when she recorded her vocal on top of it ...

@passmoilpoivre3758

I'm jealous ! ;-)

@maurocoimbra9624

Congratulations for your great playing!!

@leeellis4501

Lucky man

@aarondavid5866

or not

@fadbaguni

@Aaron David Ha ! Indeed !

261 More Replies...

@tlawson521

Her voice is almost haunting in this song. She sings it with such emotion. It’s always been my favorite song by her. She had a difficult life and what she was able to accomplish despite that is truly admirable. RIP sweet soul

@meganjarrell4668

Hauntingly beautiful 🫶🏻

@melissafraser1900

​@@meganjarrell4668A beautiful Soul

@michaelcooke8974

I never usually cry when celebrities died because well... It's easy to put the emotional distance behind the art and screen.. meant yes I'm attached to or certain aspects that their persona my portray... And I'm a support things they did society or something... However literally boo-hooing for the loss here with her... The things she faced in life early on... Her struggles with mental health... And just how she bleeds her heart out everytime she opens her mouth to sing... There was nothing held back by her ever... She was passionate... Extremely caring... Troubled... And every day was a struggle for her and she put her heart and soul into everything she touched... I struggle with certain aspects of my life as well and I can't help but to weep because life is hard we make it beautiful every chance we get every... Sharing our pain or weakness in our struggle opens up for criticism judgment and backlash from people I have felt that before people have hurt me physically for crying over being emotionally vulnerable... She was truly special in every song I've ever listened to her do was very genuine... She was never diva... And her version of Elton John's "no sacrifice" truly moves my heart in ways no other piece of music could. Sing my angel...sing! My name is Steven rickerson and I'm posting under my partners account. The way you regard this piece of music I figure you would appreciate this.

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