I missed out on being a fan girl of this iconic woman when she first hit the stage. I was living in Darwin at the time (on a goat farm in a village called Humpty Doo, with a couple of wee ones and her music didn't reach my ears. I am sure I would have loved her awesome strength! I feel so much love and respect oozing out of this piece from you Amanda, it is absolutely touching! Xxx
I love knowing where you were and what you were doing during that time Tracey. I had goat family once upon a time! I really appreciate knowing how it felt to read about Sinead here, and that it felt reverent. That means a lot. Thanks so much for your time and precious attention as always. Much love xx
How amazing to have seen Sinead perform Amanda. It was such a confusing time being a young woman in the 80’s, 90’s, struggling through the stinking mud of the patriarchy at the time. How incredibly raw and brave she was. Kind of like a Joan of Arc of her time.
Joan of Arc indeed! Yes it was an incredible experience, the Pogues and Chrissy Moore also on the bill so it was epic. The 80s and 90s were so confusing, not having an empowering framework or language, or understanding of the systems of oppression at play. Folks like Sinéad really wrapped words around my feelings.
I’m so glad you enjoyed Mystery too Kristen and thanks as always for reading, and for your reflections. X
So many tears reading this. I'm with you in your heartbreak. She held so much, it's almost incomprehensible. Her voice...I had a similar experience, I first heard her (as in, really felt-heard her) when I was in my teens, and it unlocked all sorts of things which needed tending to (also in relation to my Irish paternal grandmother). A whole woman, indeed... I look forward to entering more fully into my own wholeness by way of honouring her ♥️
I know so many women who went on quietly loving her, sometimes without understanding what she protested, even as the world made it clear what they could do to her, they would do to anyone less sure of who they were (which was all of us). You could listen for the pools of silence when someone started saying she was “too much” or “should stick to singing, a pretty girl like that”.
Yeah she copped it from all angles and she wore it all well, or so it seemed. I’ll never forget seeing the footage of Sinaed coming on stage to perform at a festival soon after she had torn up a photo of the Pope on live TV. It was so heartbreaking and also so fierce. The way she stood there amongst the booing. I love Kris Kristoferssen for comforting and sticking up for her then and now, when so many wouldn’t.
David, your comment made me think of these lyrics shared by Yusuf / Cat Stevens yesterday. So many folks have said she was ahead of her time, maybe, like she said, she was from another time.
Thanks David. I'm looking forward to listening to those two songs with a new ear, I appreciate the nudge. And blessings to you too, grateful for your presence here.
I missed out on being a fan girl of this iconic woman when she first hit the stage. I was living in Darwin at the time (on a goat farm in a village called Humpty Doo, with a couple of wee ones and her music didn't reach my ears. I am sure I would have loved her awesome strength! I feel so much love and respect oozing out of this piece from you Amanda, it is absolutely touching! Xxx
I love knowing where you were and what you were doing during that time Tracey. I had goat family once upon a time! I really appreciate knowing how it felt to read about Sinead here, and that it felt reverent. That means a lot. Thanks so much for your time and precious attention as always. Much love xx
😊✨️🧡
How amazing to have seen Sinead perform Amanda. It was such a confusing time being a young woman in the 80’s, 90’s, struggling through the stinking mud of the patriarchy at the time. How incredibly raw and brave she was. Kind of like a Joan of Arc of her time.
Your poem Mystery is beautiful, I feel it.
Joan of Arc indeed! Yes it was an incredible experience, the Pogues and Chrissy Moore also on the bill so it was epic. The 80s and 90s were so confusing, not having an empowering framework or language, or understanding of the systems of oppression at play. Folks like Sinéad really wrapped words around my feelings.
I’m so glad you enjoyed Mystery too Kristen and thanks as always for reading, and for your reflections. X
So many tears reading this. I'm with you in your heartbreak. She held so much, it's almost incomprehensible. Her voice...I had a similar experience, I first heard her (as in, really felt-heard her) when I was in my teens, and it unlocked all sorts of things which needed tending to (also in relation to my Irish paternal grandmother). A whole woman, indeed... I look forward to entering more fully into my own wholeness by way of honouring her ♥️
Big love to you and your tender heart Chloe. Solidarity with you in this entering more fully into our wholeness. xx
I know so many women who went on quietly loving her, sometimes without understanding what she protested, even as the world made it clear what they could do to her, they would do to anyone less sure of who they were (which was all of us). You could listen for the pools of silence when someone started saying she was “too much” or “should stick to singing, a pretty girl like that”.
Michelle, this really hit home. Yes that was definitely communicated along with her persecution 'this will also happen to you". Fuck the patriarchy
She was iconic. Frank Sinatra called her “one dumb broad”. Can’t get more cool than that.
Yeah she copped it from all angles and she wore it all well, or so it seemed. I’ll never forget seeing the footage of Sinaed coming on stage to perform at a festival soon after she had torn up a photo of the Pope on live TV. It was so heartbreaking and also so fierce. The way she stood there amongst the booing. I love Kris Kristoferssen for comforting and sticking up for her then and now, when so many wouldn’t.
David, your comment made me think of these lyrics shared by Yusuf / Cat Stevens yesterday. So many folks have said she was ahead of her time, maybe, like she said, she was from another time.
You know I'm not from this place
I'm from a different time, different space
And it's real uncomfortable
To be stuck somewhere you just don't belong
(8 Good Reasons - Sinead O'Connor)
We are in great company with Sinead and Yosef/Cat. On the Road to Findout.
We are indeed! Bless them both and you for reading Marilyn.
Thanks David. I'm looking forward to listening to those two songs with a new ear, I appreciate the nudge. And blessings to you too, grateful for your presence here.