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.
The Parting Glass
Sinéad O'Connor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the harm that ever I've done, alas it was to none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit to mem'ry now I can't recall; So
Fill to me the parting glass, Good night and joy be with you all.
If I had money enough to spend, and leisure time to sit awhile. There
Is a fair maid in this town, that sorely has my heart beguiled. Her
Rosy cheeks and ruby lips, I own, she has my heart in thrall; Then
Oh, all the comrades e'er I had, they're sorry for my going away. And
All the sweethearts e'er I had, they'd wished me one more day to stay.
But since it falls unto my lot, that I should rise and you should not, I
Gently rise and softly call, Goodnight and joy be with you all.
The Parting Glass is a traditional Irish song that is played as a farewell to friends and loved ones. Sinead O'Connor's version is hauntingly beautiful, conveying a sense of sadness and loss. The song is about a person who reflects on his life, the people he has met, and the mistakes he has made. He acknowledges that he has spent all his money in good company and that the harm he has caused has only affected himself.
The person regrets that he did not have the wit to avoid making those mistakes, and now he cannot even remember what he has done. He then talks about a fair maid in town who has captured his heart but he cannot stay. He wishes everyone good night and joy as he raises a glass for the final farewell. The song's final verse speaks to the relationships and connections the person has made in his life. He acknowledges that all his comrades and sweethearts are sorry to see him go and wish he could stay for one more day. But, since fate has decided otherwise, he gracefully accepts his fate and bids everyone a gentle goodbye.
Overall, the song speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we share with loved ones. It reminds us that life is unpredictable and that we must take the time to appreciate our relationships while they last.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, all the money e'er I had, I spent it in good company.
I spent all my money in the company of good friends and comrades.
And all the harm that ever I've done, alas it was to none but me.
Any harm that I've caused in my life has been inflicted solely upon myself.
And all I've done for want of wit to mem'ry now I can't recall;
My lack of wisdom has caused me to forget many of the things I've done.
So fill to me the parting glass, Good night and joy be with you all.
Let's raise a glass and toast to the end of our time together, wishing everyone a good night and much happiness.
If I had money enough to spend, and leisure time to sit awhile.
If I had the luxury of wealth and free time, I would use it to take a break and relax.
There is a fair maid in this town, that sorely has my heart beguiled.
I am deeply infatuated with a beautiful woman in this town.
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips, I own, she has my heart in thrall;
Her beauty is so captivating that I am completely under her spell.
Then fill to me the parting glass, Good night and joy be with you all.
Let's raise a final toast before saying goodbye, wishing everyone a good night and much happiness.
Oh, all the comrades e'er I had, they're sorry for my going away.
All of the friends and companions I've had are saddened by my departure.
And all the sweethearts e'er I had, they'd wished me one more day to stay.
All of the lovers I've had wish I could stay for just one more day.
But since it falls unto my lot, that I should rise and you should not, I
But since it is my fate to leave while you stay behind, I
Gently rise and softly call, Goodnight and joy be with you all.
Will bid you a gentle farewell, wishing you all a good night and much happiness.
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, J BAIRD, PD TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
paul meahan
I forget occasionally just how clear and powerful is this voice. Sinead deserves great respect for her rendition of this, and many other, fine songs.
Londubh1
Suaimhneas síorraidhe a Shinéaid. Ní bheidh do leithéid ann aríst. Beidh tú i n-ár gcroidhe go deo. Go codladh tú go sámh. 😢🇮🇪
Jenny Murphy
May showers of divine love be poured on you Sinead as you dance with God😊❤
Johnnyoity
Rest in Peace Sinead. Rest in Power.
OMCLA
I loved her since 1989... always was with her. she was too good for this world. R.I.P. trailblazer, comrade, soulmate.
Bex_Rex
🤍🙏🏼✨
Bombs in Yemen.
Just recently finding out Sinead O’Connor died I found this song, I’ve heard it with several other artists but this is my absolutely favourite. Didn’t know she had recorded it. ❤
Capt Baz
she will always be missed a musical legend
Dave H
May the words of a million poets be waiting at your eternal alter.
Marian O Neill
I'm tearing up listening to this voice