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.
Take Me to Church
Sinéad O'Connor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't wanna love that way no more
What have I been writing love songs for?
I don't want to write them anymore
I don't wanna sing from where I sang before
I don't wanna sing that way no more
What've I've been singing love songs for?
I don't wanna sing them anymore,
I don't wanna cry no more
I don't wanna die no more
So cut me down from this here tree
Cut the rope from off of me
Sit me on the floor,
I'm the only one I should adore
Oh, take me to church,
I've done so many bad things it hurts
Yeah, take me to church
But not the ones that hurt
'Cause that ain't the truth
And that's not what it's for
Yeah, take me to church
Oh, take me to church
I've done so many bad things it hurts
Yeah, get me to church
But not the ones that hurt
'Cause that ain't the truth
And that's not what it's for
I'm gonna sing songs of loving and forgiving
Songs of eating and of drinking,
Songs of living, songs of calling in the night
'Cause songs are like a bolt of light
And love's the only love you should invite
Songs of long and spiteful fails
Songs that don't let you sit still
Songs that mend your broken bones
And that don't leave you alone
So get me down from this here tree,
Take the rope from off of me
Sit me on the floor,
I'm the only one I should adore!
Oh, take me to church,
I've done so many bad things it hurts
Yeah take me to church,
But not the ones that hurt
'Cause that ain't the truth
And that's not what it's for
Yeah, take me to church
Oh, take me to church
I've done so many bad things it hurts
Yeah, get me to church,
But not the ones that hurt
'Cause that ain't the truth
And that's not what it's for
The lyrics of Sinéad O'Connor's song "Take Me to Church" explore the singer's personal journey through love, heartbreak, and self-love. Throughout the song, O'Connor expresses her desire to let go of old patterns of loving and singing, and to embrace a new kind of love that is forgiving and accepting. She acknowledges that she has made mistakes in the past and has hurt others in the process, but she wants to move forward and start anew.
The repeated line "take me to church" can be interpreted in a few different ways. On the one hand, it can be seen as a plea for divine intervention, a desire to be saved from the pain and mistakes of the past. On the other hand, it can be read as a call to action for the listener - a challenge to think about what kind of love and forgiveness we want to embody in our own lives.
As the song progresses, O'Connor's lyrics become more optimistic and hopeful. She sings about "songs of loving and forgiving," and the power of music to heal and bring people together. By the end of the song, she has found a renewed sense of self-love and acceptance, declaring "I'm the only one I should adore."
Overall, "Take Me to Church" is a deeply personal and emotional song that speaks to the struggles and joys of human relationships. It is a reminder to embrace love and forgiveness, and to never stop singing.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna love the way I loved before
I don't want to love like I did in the past and experience the same pain again.
I don't wanna love that way no more
I want to change the way I love to avoid the same consequences.
What have I been writing love songs for?
I question my motivation for writing love songs if I keep repeating the same mistakes.
I don't want to write them anymore
I want to stop writing love songs that remind me of my pain.
I don't wanna sing from where I sang before
I want to change my singing style to avoid reliving the same heartbreak.
I don't wanna sing that way no more
I don't want to keep singing with the same style and emotion that caused my heartbreak.
What've I've been singing love songs for?
I question why I have been singing love songs that only remind me of my hurt.
I don't wanna sing them anymore
I want to stop singing love songs that remind me of my pain.
I don't wanna be that girl no more
I want to change my behavior and personality to avoid reliving the same pain.
I don't wanna cry no more
I want to stop the tears and the pain.
I don't wanna die no more
I don't want to suffer to the point of death again.
So cut me down from this here tree
I want to be rescued from my current situation.
Cut the rope from off of me
I want to be free from the things that are hurting me.
Sit me on the floor,
I want to be grounded and have a fresh start.
I'm the only one I should adore
I want to prioritize self-love and care.
Oh, take me to church,
I want to find a sense of comfort and salvation.
I've done so many bad things it hurts
I have made many mistakes and it causes me pain.
But not the ones that hurt
I don't want to go to a church that will cause me more pain.
'Cause that ain't the truth
The pain and hurt associated with some churches are not what is true or right.
And that's not what it's for
A church should be a place of love, forgiveness, and salvation.
I'm gonna sing songs of loving and forgiving
I want to sing songs that promote love and forgiveness.
Songs of eating and of drinking,
I want to sing songs that celebrate life and its pleasures.
Songs of living, songs of calling in the night
I want to sing songs that remind me to appreciate life and the beauty of the world.
'Cause songs are like a bolt of light
Music has the power to bring hope and positivity to one's life.
And love's the only love you should invite
One should choose to love and care for oneself and invite that love into their life.
Songs of long and spiteful fails
I want to sing songs that address my failures and learn from them.
Songs that don't let you sit still
I want to sing songs that inspire and motivate me to take action.
Songs that mend your broken bones
I want to sing songs that heal my emotional wounds.
And that don't leave you alone
Songs that offer comfort, hope, and support.
So get me down from this here tree,
I want to be rescued from my current situation.
Take the rope from off of me
I want to be free from the things that are hurting me.
Sit me on the floor,
I want to be grounded and have a fresh start.
I'm the only one I should adore!
I want to prioritize self-love and care.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GRAHAM KEARNS, JOHN CHARLES REYNOLDS, SINEAD MARIE BERNARDE O'CONNOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Earl E. Bird
Rest in Peace Sinead, your music and your story will endure forever. You have been an inspiration to me and to countless other people around the globe....
MVW Mark
Never to be forgotten. 😢
RIP gorgeous woman.
Caroline Oceana Ryan
Can't believe it. Sending Light for her journey. 💜 May she finally know Peace now.
Kathryn Robyn
Rest in power, darlin with so many names. You ARE a bolt of light.
Heather Mahony
AMEN!🙏💜💙
Thera Webster
I think the best thing people can do is check up on each other. Reach out to those friends you avoid because you don't know what to say or how to react when they are hurting. Ask them how you can help them. Bring them coffee and cigarettes. Ask them if they need a hug. Make them laugh..
Kim Wiley
Sinead is my ALL TIME FAVORITE female vocalist ever!!! My heart is so very tragically broken by how she suffered so in her last days and how she was taken from all of us. She was a singular talent. She didn't just have an incredible command over her voice and use it in so many creative and distinctive ways, but she spoke what she believed, bared her soul and did the best she could to live a regular life. There was little pretense with her unlike so many other musicians. I read about it all over the internet. When I hear her sing traditional Irish songs, it stirs the depths of my soul as I have Irish ancestry. Nothing compares to her!!!
Birdy-num'num
Word! ❤
Steve Bitar
Why is it that every time I listen to a song by Sinead O'connor, I can't hold the tears back?... She was and continues to be a force of nature... the heart, soul and spirit of Ireland... In my heart, I believe she is FINALLY at rest and peace in the hands of God... pure unselfish love... What a gift from God to all of us... So grateful for her life and legacy !!!! (So choked up right now... I need to go outside just to breathe...)
:o :O
Every time I hear “I’ve done so many bad things it hurts” I crack. The honesty in it makes my stomach squeeze. I want to embrace myself as much as she does herself. It’s all so beautiful. Embracing all of herself. The good and the bad. Incredibly inspiring