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.
You Cause As Much Sorrow
Sinéad O'Connor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like I never was before
It's too late for prevention
But I don't think it's too late for the cure
So you call in your minions
And see what you can find
Night time or morning
Why must you always be around?
Why can't you just leave it be?
It's done nothing so far but destroy my life
You cause as much sorrow dead
As you did when you were alive
I never said I was tough
That was everyone else
So you're a fool to attack me
For the image that you built yourself
Just sounds more vicious
Than I actually mean
I really am soft
Yes, I'm tender and sweet
Why must you always be around?
Why can't you just leave it be?
You've done nothing so far but destroy my life
You cause as much sorrow dead
As you did when you were alive
Why must you always ask me?
Why can't you just leave me be?
You've done nothing so far but destroy my life
You cause as much sorrow dead
As you did when you were alive
In "You Cause As Much Sorrow," Sinéad O'Connor sings about someone who has caused her a great deal of pain and misery, both when they were alive and after their death. The song explores the theme of forgiveness and moving on, even when the person who has hurt you is no longer alive.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is trying to overcome the hurt and anger she feels towards this person, but it's not easy. She's full of good intentions and wants to find a cure for her pain, but she also acknowledges that some damage has already been done. She describes the person as being destructive, calling in their minions to dig up dirt on her, and being a constant presence in her life, even though their actions have caused great harm.
The chorus poses a question to the person who has caused all this pain: why must they always be around? Why can't they just leave it be? The singer acknowledges that they have done nothing so far but destroy her life, and the pain they caused when they were alive is just as intense as the pain they continue to cause after their death. The song suggests that forgiveness and healing are possible, but it takes time and effort to move on from the pain caused by someone who had once been significant in your life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm full of good intentions
I have the will to do good
Like I never was before
With more enthusiasm than ever
It's too late for prevention
I cannot undo what has already happened
But I don't think it's too late for the cure
But I believe things can still be made right
So you call in your minions
You seek the help of your followers
And see what you can find
To dig up dirt and use against me
Night time or morning
Anytime, any place
These hands are sticky but I don't mind
The evidence of my past mistakes lingers, but I accept it
Why must you always be around?
Why do you always haunt me?
Why can't you just leave it be?
Why can't you just move on?
It's done nothing so far but destroy my life
Your actions have only caused pain
You cause as much sorrow dead
Even with you gone,
As you did when you were alive
You still cause suffering
I never said I was tough
I never claimed to be strong
That was everyone else
That was the perception others had of me
So you're a fool to attack me
You're foolish to take advantage of my vulnerability
For the image that you built yourself
Based on the image you created of yourself in my mind
Just sounds more vicious
My words might seem harsh
Than I actually mean
But I never intended to hurt you like you hurt me
I really am soft
I am actually a sensitive person
Yes, I'm tender and sweet
Despite my past mistakes, I am still a good person
Why must you always ask me?
Why do you continuously demand answers from me?
Why can't you just leave me be?
Why can't you just let me be?
You've done nothing so far but destroy my life
Your actions have only caused me pain
You cause as much sorrow dead
Even with you gone,
As you did when you were alive
You still cause suffering
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANDY ROURKE, SINEAD OCONNOR
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.