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.
What Do You Want
Sinéad O'Connor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I am not frightened although it's hot
I have all that I requested
And I do not want what I haven't got
I have learned this from my mother
See how happy she has made me
I will take this road much further
Though I know not where it takes me
I have bread and I have wine
No longer will I be hungry
For the bread of life is mine
I saw a navy blue bird
Flying way above the sea
I walked on and I learned later
That this navy blue bird was me
I returned a paler blue bird
And this is the advice they gave me
You must not try to be too pure
You must fly closer to the sea
So I'm walking through the desert
And I am not frightened although it's hot
I have all that I requested
And I do not want what I haven't got
In Sinéad O'Connor's song "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," the artist uses the metaphorical setting of the desert to convey a sense of existential emptiness and a desire for spiritual fulfillment. The first stanza sets the tone for the song, with the singer walking through the desert without fear, declaring that she has everything she needs and does not desire anything she doesn't have. She then attributes her contentment to her mother, stating that she has learned this outlook from the happiness her mother has brought to her life.
The second stanza continues with the desert theme, with the singer expressing her willingness to continue down this same road and not knowing where it will take her. She has sustenance for her journey, both physical and spiritual, in the form of water, bread, and wine, and is no longer hungry. This is a clear allusion to the Christian sacrament of communion, in which the bread and wine represent the body and blood of Christ, respectively. The singer is nourished by this sacrament, indicating her desire for spiritual fulfillment.
The final stanza is perhaps the most interesting, with the singer describing a navy blue bird that she sees flying above the sea. Later on, she realizes that this bird was actually her, and that she had come back to earth a "paler blue bird." The advice given to her is to not try to be too pure, and to fly closer to the sea. This can be interpreted as a warning against striving for perfectionism or an unattainable ideal, and to instead embrace the messiness of life and stay grounded in reality.
Overall, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" is a deeply introspective and spiritual song that reflects Sinéad O'Connor's personal journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm walking through the desert
I am navigating through a difficult time in my life
And I am not frightened although it's hot
Even though things are tough, I am not scared or intimidated
I have all that I requested
I have everything I asked for
And I do not want what I haven't got
I am content with what I have and don't need more
I have learned this from my mother
My mother taught me to be grateful and satisfied
See how happy she has made me
My mother's teachings have led to my happiness
I will take this road much further
I will continue on this path of contentment and gratitude
Though I know not where it takes me
Even though I'm unsure of what the future holds
I have water for my journey
I have sustenance to help me through this difficult time
I have bread and I have wine
I have enough to sustain me, both materially and spiritually
No longer will I be hungry
I will no longer be lacking or wanting
For the bread of life is mine
I am nourished by the deeper meaning and purpose in my life
I saw a navy blue bird
I had a realization of my own true self
Flying way above the sea
Liberated from the confines of the earth and free to soar
I walked on and I learned later
I moved forward and grew wiser with time
That this navy blue bird was me
I realized that my true self is my own highest potential
I returned a paler blue bird
I regressed back to a lower level of consciousness
And this is the advice they gave me
Others guided me with wisdom and insight
You must not try to be too pure
Don't strive for perfection to the point of self-harm or denial
You must fly closer to the sea
Stay grounded in the reality of your life and experiences
So I'm walking through the desert
I'm still journeying through this difficult time
And I am not frightened although it's hot
I remain undaunted and steadfast despite the challenges
I have all that I requested
I have everything and everyone I truly need
And I do not want what I haven't got
I'm not greedy or envious of others, happy with what I have
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SINEAD O'CONNOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
K. Maczák
on Troy
The song is about her abusive mother, who locked her out of the house, and she sitting in the long grass in summer keeping warm , while her mother turned off the light inside the house , and she screamed . etc.