Shuhada' Sadaqat (previously Magda Davitt; born Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'… Read Full Bio ↴Shuhada' Sadaqat (previously Magda Davitt; born Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor; 8 December 1966 – 26 July 2023), known professionally as Sinéad O'Connor, was an Irish singer and musician who rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra. O'Connor achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a new arrangement of Prince's song "Nothing Compares 2 U".

Since then, while maintaining her singing career, she has occasionally encountered controversy, partly due to her statements and gestures—such as her ordination as a priest despite being a woman with a Roman Catholic background—and her strongly expressed views on organised religion, women's rights, war, and child abuse.

In addition to her ten solo albums her work includes many singles, songs for films, collaborations with many other artists and appearances at charity fundraising concerts.

Since converting to Islam in 2018 she has changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat.

In December 2019 she gave her first UK concert in five years at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, London.

On 26 July 2023, O'Connor's family issued a statement that she had died at the age of 56, without indicating the date or cause.

In the statement, the singer’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

The acclaimed Dublin performer released 10 studio albums, while her song “Nothing Compares 2 U” was named the number one world single in 1990 by the Billboard Music Awards. Her version of the ballad, written by musician Prince, topped the charts around the globe and earned her three Grammy nominations.

Dancing Lessons
Sinéad O'Connor Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I want to go walking with you
If you'd agree
I want to do some talking with you
Where no one can see

I want to go dancing darling
If you agree
I think I'll feel a safe step darling

If you were with me

And when you wrap your arms around me
When you take me close and say
That you're so happy and so glad you found me
You take my rainy days and make them go away

Long time I've been thinking of you
Do you think of me too?
Long time I've been dreaming of you
Make this dream come true

Long time I've been wondering about this
Can this really exist
I think I feel a peaceful feeling
In the warmth of your kiss

And when you wrap your arms around me
When you take me close and say
That you're so happy and so glad you found me
You take my rainy days and make them go away

On this journey may the good lord guide us
And may the goddess dance beside us

And when you wrap your arms around me
When you take me close and say
That you're so happy and so glad you found me
You take my rainy days and make them go away

And when you wrap your arms around me
When you take me close and say

That you're so happy and so glad you found me
You take my rainy days and make them go away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sinéad O'Connor's song Dancing Lessons express a longing for companionship and intimacy. The singer desires to go walking, talking, and dancing with someone special, away from prying eyes. The singer hopes to feel safe with this person, suggesting a history of feeling vulnerable around others. The lyrics express the desire to escape loneliness and find happiness in being with someone who makes all of life's struggles disappear with a mere embrace.

The following verses suggest that the singer has long held feelings for the addressee, dreaming and wondering about the possibility of their relationship. The lyrics express the hope that this long-held love can become a reality. The final verse is a prayer for guidance and blessings on their journey as a couple, with an invocation of both the Judeo-Christian God and a feminine deity. The chorus expresses the joy and peace that the singer finds in being with this person, who takes away their sadness and brightens every day.

Line by Line Meaning

I want to go walking with you
I desire to walk with you.

If you'd agree
If you consent.

I want to do some talking with you
I long to converse with you.

Where no one can see
In a private setting.

I want to go dancing darling
I want to dance with you, my dear.

If you agree
If you are willing.

I think I'll feel a safe step darling
I will feel secure if we dance together.

If you were with me
If we are together doing this activity.

And when you wrap your arms around me
When you embrace me tightly.

When you take me close and say
When you hold me near and speak these words.

That you're so happy and so glad you found me
That you are elated to have discovered me.

You take my rainy days and make them go away
You alleviate my sorrows and bring me joy.

Long time I've been thinking of you
I have been contemplating you for a while now.

Do you think of me too?
Do you also occupy your thoughts with me?

Long time I've been dreaming of you
You have been my nocturnal reverie for an extensive period.

Make this dream come true
Turn this fantasy into reality.

Long time I've been wondering about this
I have been intrigued by this for some time.

Can this really exist
Can this be a genuine possibility?

I think I feel a peaceful feeling
I believe I am experiencing a serene emotion.

In the warmth of your kiss
When we share this intimate act.

On this journey may the good lord guide us
May the divine provide us with direction on this expedition.

And may the goddess dance beside us
May the female divine join us in our dance.