Mandinka
SinГ©ad O'Connor Lyrics


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I'm dancing the seven veils
Want you to pick up my scarf
See how the black moon fades
Soon I can give you my heart

I don't know no shame
I feel no pain
I can't see the flame
But I do know Man-din-ka
I do know Man-din-ka
I do know Man-din-ka
I do

They're throwing it all this way
Dragging it back to the start
And they say, "See how the glass is raised?"
I have refused to take part
I told them "drink something new"
Please let me pull something through

I don't know no shame
I feel no pain
I can't
I don't know no shame
I feel no pain
I can't see the flame

But I do know Man-din-ka
I do know Man-din-ka
I do know Man-din-ka
I do
I do
I do
I say I do




Soon I can give you my heart
I swear I do
Soon I can give you my heart

I do
Mandinka
Soon I can give you my heart
Soon I can give you my heart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sinead O'Connor's song "Mandinka" are a celebration of one's freedom and individuality. The opening lines of the song speak to a traditional Middle Eastern dance known as the "seven veils." The act of shedding each veil represents a woman's liberation from societal constraints, allowing her to fully express herself. She wants her lover to pick up her scarf, representing the ultimate act of surrender, to be vulnerable to another person, and allow herself to fall in love.


The chorus of the song speaks to the singer's sense of self-assuredness, indicating that she feels no shame in who she is or who she loves. She's unconcerned about social conventions or the opinions of others. Even though she might not always see the potential danger in her world, she's familiar with Man-din-ka, a people of West African origins. This reference could mean that she's open to exploring new cultures or that she's well-read and well-traveled. The second verse of the song tells a story about the pressures people feel from society's expectations. The singer refuses to participate in that game and, instead, wishes to create her path. The final chorus and repetition of the phrase "Soon, I can give you my heart," suggests that the singer is finally ready to give her heart to someone, fully exposing herself to love and emotional vulnerability.


Overall, the song's message is one of freedom and self-expression as it represents a woman's willingness to shed the constraints of the patriarchy and society's expectations. The lyrics indicate the singer's desire to be open and vulnerable in love, even if that means being unconventional or defying gender norms and cultural expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm dancing the seven veils
I am performing a traditional dance and shedding layers of clothing as I go, revealing more of myself.


Want you to pick up my scarf
I am inviting you to join me in this dance and engage with me on a more intimate level.


See how the black moon fades
I am acknowledging that dark times can be followed by brighter ones, and expressing hope that things will improve.


Soon I can give you my heart
I am starting to open up and show vulnerability, and expressing a desire to connect with you emotionally.


I don't know no shame
I am unafraid to be myself and express my true feelings.


I feel no pain
I have a high tolerance for emotional or physical discomfort, and it doesn't hold me back.


I can't see the flame
I am unaffected by the passion or drama around me, and maintain a level head.


But I do know Man-din-ka
I am asserting my knowledge and pride in my cultural heritage, which is an important part of my identity.


They're throwing it all this way
I am observing people who are letting go of their inhibitions and embracing the moment.


Dragging it back to the start
I recognize that some people are not ready or willing to move beyond their comfort zone, and can be resistant to change.


And they say, 'See how the glass is raised?'
I am acknowledging a toast or celebratory moment happening around me, but choosing to keep my distance from it.


I have refused to take part
I am asserting my independence and autonomy, and not adhering to social norms or expectations.


I told them 'drink something new'
I am encouraging others to explore different perspectives and behaviors, and not get stuck in the same patterns.


Please let me pull something through
I am offering my help or guidance to those who may be struggling or seeking change, and expressing my desire to make a positive impact.


I say I do
I am making a commitment or promising something with conviction and sincerity.


Mandinka
I am reaffirming my heritage and identity, and expressing gratitude for the cultural traditions that have shaped me.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SINEAD O'CONNOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mossy2209

RIP Sinead. Outspoken, intelligent, a thorn in the sides of people whose consciences needed pricking, and not afraid to challenge people who needed bringing up sharp. Find peace somewhere out there, girl.

@EduardoFerrazNelore

I am spanted.... Causa Mortis, please anybody?

@kenninast

Her cause of death has been deliberately kept quiet. Her family wants it this way.

@fudgegripper7103

AMEN! Well Said. She is with God because she stood up for him! She went VIP!

@hd-xc2lz

@@EduardoFerrazNelore Suicide most likely.

@susannahv7219

Beautifully said @mossy2209 . Thank you for the respectful tribute.

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@BenGott

She will be truly missed—Sinead was a once-in-a-generation talent.

@introvertia1

Indeed. Indeed. :(

@ladycplum

Absolutely., )PS, hi Ben, it's Amanda!)

@mariadjk

My favourite Sinead O Connor song, what and unbelievable talent she was, will be truly missed

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