While studying anthropology at Franklin and Marshall College, McNally began singing and playing guitar in clubs. After graduating and honing her skills on the streets of Paris as a busker, she secured a deal with Capitol Records in 1997. McNally was intent on making an acoustic record and entered the studio with studio professionals including Jim Keltner, Benmont Tench, and Greg Leisz. The resulting album Jukebox Sparrows was not released at the time.
In the interim, McNally opened for Stevie Nicks and Ryan Adams, and was part of the 1999 Girl's Room tour with Tara MacLean, Kendall Payne, and Amy Correia. She also modeled for Urban Decay cosmetics. In 2000, McNally issued the holdover EP Bolder Than Paradise. When Capitol finally issued Jukebox Sparrows in January 2002, it did so into a market that had already embraced such roots-flavored material as Ryan Adams and the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack. McNally embarked on a press tour, and spent the summer of that year supporting John Mellencamp. In late 2002, she released the Ran on Pure Lightning EP, a collaboration with songwriter Neal Casal.
In 2005, McNally returned with the country, blues, and soul influences on the album Geronimo. The album's June release was accompanied by a summer's worth of live dates. Early 2006 saw the release of McNally's third album, North American Ghost Music. Tour dates with Son Volt also coincided its release.
McNally took off most of 2008 and 2009 after the birth of her first child. She has resumed performing and recording and toured with Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women. In 2009 she released the album Coldwater with her band Hot Sauce. McNally currently resides near Oxford, Mississippi.
In 2013, McNally released Small Town Talk, a tribute album to the songs of Bobby Charles. In an interview, McNally said that she was a longtime friend of Bobby Charles and Small Town Talk was inspired by Charles' first, self-titled album from 1973
Banshee Moan
Shannon McNally Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trouble if you will, goes double if you won't
So you watch what you say, you watch what you do
You keep thinking someday they're gonna see real you
Sixty cents on the dollar, more than makes you want to holler
Attack your smarts until your numb, is how they make you feel dumb
You want to beat em to the punch, you want to trust every hunch
Girl just trying to make it in the world
WOMAN WEEP LIKE THE WILD WINDS WAIL
FOR YOUR MAGDALENE AND YOUR JEZEBEL
WOMAN WEEP FOR YOUR SISTERS GONE
LET THEIR NAMES LIVE ON WITH A BANSHEE MOAN
Then one day you turn a corner, find your doubt goes back burner
All dismissal implies, is where your sanity lies
So you've come through fire, you've set your sights higher
You've found a merciful moon, but not a moment too soon
WOMAN WEEP LIKE THE WILD WINDS WAIL
FOR YOUR MAGDALENE AND YOUR JEZEBEL
WOMAN WEEP FOR YOUR SISTERS GONE
LET THEIR NAMES LIVE ON WITH A BANSHEE MOAN
The lyrics of Shannon McNally's song Banshee Moan reflect the struggles of a woman in a society that is not always kind to her. The first verse describes the dilemma she faces: she is judged whether she does something or not, and she must watch every word and action because people are quick to judge. She hopes that someday she will be seen as her true self, but for now, she must wear a facade to protect herself.
The second verse describes the injustices that women face: they are paid less than men (sixty cents on the dollar) and are made to feel dumb by those who attack their intelligence. The woman wants to beat the doubters to the punch and be true to her instincts, but she is constantly fighting an uphill battle. She is just a girl trying to make it in the world, and the world is often too harsh.
In the chorus, the lyrics take a turn towards a more primal and powerful expression. Women are called to weep like the wild winds wail for their Magdalene and their Jezebel; two biblical figures who were vilified for their sexuality. The woman is called to cry for her sisters who have gone before her, to let their names live on with a Banshee Moan. The Banshee is a wailing spirit from Irish folklore that foretells death, and in this song, it represents a powerful voice that will not be silenced.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't
No matter what you do, you'll never be able to please everyone
Trouble if you will, goes double if you won't
Ignoring your problems only makes them worse
So you watch what you say, you watch what you do
Being cautious in your actions and words is important
You keep thinking someday they're gonna see real you
You hope that people will eventually understand your true self
Sixty cents on the dollar, more than makes you want to holler
Being paid less for the same work is unfair and frustrating
Attack your smarts until your numb, is how they make you feel dumb
Others may try to make you feel inferior by belittling your intelligence
You want to beat em to the punch, you want to trust every hunch
You want to be proactive and follow your intuition
Because in the mirror there's a
There is a reflection staring back at you
Girl just trying to make it in the world
Someone who is simply trying to succeed in life
WOMAN WEEP LIKE THE WILD WINDS WAIL
Express your emotions loudly and passionately
FOR YOUR MAGDALENE AND YOUR JEZEBEL
For the women who are misunderstood and judged harshly
WOMAN WEEP FOR YOUR SISTERS GONE
Mourn for the women who have passed on
LET THEIR NAMES LIVE ON WITH A BANSHEE MOAN
Remember and honor them with a powerful cry of grief
Then one day you turn a corner, find your doubt goes back burner
Eventually, you'll overcome your doubts and insecurities
All dismissal implies, is where your sanity lies
Ignoring negative influences is necessary for your peace of mind
So you've come through fire, you've set your sights higher
You've faced challenges and emerged stronger, with new aspirations
You've found a merciful moon, but not a moment too soon
You've found solace and support at the right time
Writer(s): Monty Powell, Shannon Mcnally
Contributed by Elijah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@billderinbaja3883
I love Shannon McNally, such a deeply talented beauty, artist, Mom... I came to this song just after listening to Joni Mitchell sing "Magdelaine Laundries", and I suddenly realized this song by Shannon is also about the Laundries... such a tragic, shameful legacy for Ireland. Thanks Shannon.
@Ken-gj3cx
Mesmerizing voice, brilliant songwriting, and less is more instrumental = Black Irish, a must have. Ken T
@mariojohn1201
Beautiful song sung and played by a beautiful artist. Your voice always gives me goosebumps. Brilliant! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@susanboehnke3379
Just saw Shannon McNally in Maco, Georgia. She put on an awesome performance! She is an amazing talent.
@SB-zk1sn
"When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality this will be impossible because all differences and distinction are conducive to discord and strife. Equality between men and women is conducive to the abolition of warfare for the reason that women will never be willing to sanction it." Baha'i Writings
@raymondstubben357
With the eminente Johnny Duke on her right side, it's all wonderful!
@GlendaJasperMaidenhair
Indeed Shannon is some kind of awesome..
@SteveRaab100
Good Songwriter, enchanting Singer, I need to pick up her latest album "Black Irish" --Steve Raab (KC)
@DENIEL381
LONG TIME FAN LOVE TO BACK HER ON GUITAR ONE DAY ,
@hercule75
This song makes me travel on a Triumph Bonneville though USA