She was speaking out against police brutality towards Black people, protesting the national anthem and speaking against abuse in the Catholic Church decades before it was fashionable. She took so much hell for it. Rest with angels, Sinéad.
Believe it or not but people knew about the Catholic Scumbags for Centuries. My Father, who was born in 1936 told me all about the disgusting antic's of the Catholic Church & School he was made to go to. Many of the children in the Catholic Orphanages were born to young females & Fathered by Priests, Sick!
One of my favourite Sinead O'Connor songs. It’s about the death of Colin Roach, a 21-year old black man living in Hackney, London. He was riding his scooter home when he was pursued and stopped by the police who thought that he had stolen the moped. He was arrested and later died in police custody. Sinead wrote this song to protest against police racism and brutality. This is a devastatingly beautiful song.
if you want racism - look at how the police treated the girls of rotherham, rochdale, bradford, telford etc tens of thousands systematically r'ed and destroyed - with the complicit assistance of the police - there hasnt been anythig close - not even a drop in the ocean - to compare to the horrors these girls suffered and still suffer to this day
I knew people who said this album was "soft" after her first album. I didn't like what they said. Listening to Sinead helped me understand my own ptsd. Bless her for the music she wrote and sang. Bless her for representing keening notes where appropriate. What a Blessing she was and is.
This is truly a goosebump-inducing song and performance. It blows my mind how prophetic she was! I love her. Through all her trials, she was always herself. So many people owe her an apology
Yeah, I'm sitting here with goosebumps right now, but it was referencing a specific incident (to draw attention to a larger problem, of course): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Colin_Roach
I HATE HOW IRELAND ONLY CLAIMS AND LAUDS HER IN DEATH YES MANY OWE HER AN APOLOGY 0 NOW IT IS TOO LATE I KNOW HER HEART WAS BROKEN TRYING TO LIVE IN HER HOME WITH EQUALITY AND SHE NEVER DID - SHAME ON IRELAND SHAME I AM SAD TO BE IRRISH TODAY
She may be the last artist who could sing about the oppressed with such power, passion and heart...and of course such sublime talent. She had the looks and voice to make millions as a pop singer but instead she sang and spoke of her convictions...much respect to Sinead O'onnor
To say that she is the "last artist who could sing about the oppressed with such power, passion and heart..." is a slap in the face to thousands of artists out there. Shame on you. Seems that you didn't learn a single thing from Sinead. But be careful and not move because the universe revolves around you and we don't want to upset the balance do we?
She was right about the Catholic church also. May she find solace from all of her loss. She is worthy of study and her tale should be told. Love from the USA from an immigrant's son. Bless you Sinead💙💙💙
WAS WORTHY ! IRELAND FAILED HER! I GOT AN EMil from her 7yrs agp asking for help to an hse doctor whom was fair - guess what? no one - i was stuck in Cork it was xmas eve - i will continue to fight for oir rights Sinead your life was not in vain ! please light a candle for this now angel - she died where she said she was "leavin'" "i don't want him to be aware of such anything as grieving" GRIEVE IRELAND GRIEVE ON HOW THIS COUNTRY FAILED YOUR "HERO"" you only credit in death!
You could say the same thing about protestants, Jews or the boy scouts. The Catholic church isn't/wasn't the only group accepting gays who turned out to be predators ... But yea someone had to speak up! Now the Catholics have had to pay up and the boy scouts went bankrupt! Groups with less deep pockets haven't been in the news though.
Such an amazing woman. She was so ahead of her time, and they crucified her for it. She had a message, she had truths to speak, but she was labelled as crazy! One of the greatest voices of my youth. So sad that she's gone. I'm not religious, but I hope with all my heart that she's been reunited with her precious boy. She will live on in every note of her music. Sinead, we loved you then and we love you now. Thank you for the music. Thank you for being brave enough to stand up for what you believed in. Imithe ach gan dearmad. Tá grá agat anois agus beidh go deo. Tá súil agam go bhfuair tú síocháin. 😔💜
She was right about everything. Ahead of her time. The Catholic Church was untouchable then. Now everyone knows the truth. Rest in peace Sinead. You will never be forgotten.
I was singing this song to myself earlier today and when I got to the chorus i just started balling. The “I love my boy, that’s why I’m leaving” part hits differently now - much harder - than when this song was recorded. Sadly the political statement is as relevant as ever and the personal circumstances are simply tragic. Much love for Sinead.
Her voice is so unique. So heartfelt. No one will ever sound like that. The fact that she was one of the most beautiful humans to walk the earth is also disarming
Sinead O'Connor wrote a song over 20 years ago, "Black Boys on Mopeds", that largely went unnoticed. I forgot about how prophetic her words were until this sense less murder in Florida of the unarmed black teen. Sadly, racism has only gotten worse since 9/11 This haunting song calls out the hypocrisy behind the warped thinking that "Violence is fine, but only when our side does it" Sinead stood up to the abuses of the Catholic Church as well and was basically ruined for speaking truth to power
Listening to her today, as i did 30 years ago. As a teenager I loved her music and though I understood her messages. As an adult today I am realizing she helped shape my beliefs May she rest in peace❤
I somehow missed Sinead in her early days. So now I'm catching up with her and I am absolutely in love and respect. Her songs start off soft and gentle and sweet and then out of the blue she opens up her voice and the power pours out, fullthroated--she knows how to do it, or it just comes out naturally--and wow, make room, get out of the way! She is the real thing. God bless her for all her human sufferings. She is a hero to me.
I love all her songs used to play her video on my parents TV, volume max on TV and max on video,TV shook it was so loud but good,that was when she first put her album out maybe in early 80's
She was anti racist her whole life. I love her so much I got her portrait tattooed on my arm. She had SO much strength and never strayed from her principles. Never. Not once. She's my hero.
So poignant now, tears fall easily when I listen to this song and remember the 90's and the politics of the time. What an extraordinary person she was, a true poet and songsmith, with a sublime voice.
I bought this cassette when I was in the Navy, during The Gulf War. After boot camp and A school. I was in Saudi Arabia and then Spain. In Spain I would listen to it in my shop. It ended up being confiscated due to the song, Black Boys on Mopeds. They sat me down and made me listen to it. "They" are the Commanding Officer on down". I was enlisted and 19. I was in a big office alone with them. I was faced so that I was looking at a huge portrait of President Bush 1. It was so strange how mad they were about Margaret Thatcher 's name being mentioned in the song. It was also strange that they were stealing my property, especially music. They wanted me to destroy it in front of them, I couldn't bring myself to follow their orders. We were in that office for so long and I wasn't allowed to go to the head or given any water or chow the entire time and threatened with insubordination. I gave in because I knew they would get their way and it would hurt the other military females. There were not many of us at that time. I asked that this be kept quite and not to go on my service record as being disciplined. They agreed and I destroyed it. I was so mad and confused and hurt. I had a perfect record and was excellent at my job. Having this music would have ended all that? Obviously I have not forgotten or gotten over what I learned that day.
@Scouts Honor - Got citations for that broad statement about "black boys...robbing and killing lots and lots of people" last year? Just how many is "lots"?
I remember the tabloids labeling and mocking her because of her shaved head in the 90's. I was a little kid and I also remember my mom shaking her head at those tabloids and saying "they're deaf dumb and blind" but I didn't realize that some of the music my mom played was Sinead. Then SNL happened, my mom stood up and clapped. That's when I realized it and I've loved her ever since. We lost a great one❤️
Tara Gragg - STILL got to say it anyway, if it's worth anything at all... 2017-style fear and loathing means it's more valid than ever. What's one career EVER been worth, really, compared with truth, integrity and sincerity?? These things will always spit in the face of whatever negativity there is out there. Its just then about belief, and the strength it has within you. Or otherwise. Sinead in her prime, brought forward in time to NOW, this very minute, would surely be more culturally unique and thus vital, than ever - which proves the point for me at least. Regards.
In the early 2000s my girlfriend played this for me, as a black boy on a mopad it resonated, i loved 'nothing compares' before but this song solidified me as a fan. Rip Sinead
I saw her in concert, in the pouring rain. The tears running down my cheeks would be mistaken for raindrops. She cuts through the would and look at you as if she knows you. Forever respect for her and the messages she wanted to convey. Beautiful would are often thought to be mad. Curiouser and curiouser.
Hauntingly beautiful song that should have resonated more than it did at the time perhaps. Rediscovering her catalog, other than a few radio staples, favs, etc. has been an incredible journey into a powerful era of music.
I'm still grieving even though it has been more than two months. I realized after her death that I wasn't just a super fan of Sinéad going back to when I heard her for the first time at age 16. I realized that I am her acolyte, and she my spiritual mother, the Universal Mother. She has done as much for me to influence my approach to life, my compassion for others, and my desire to still be here on this crazy earth as anyone else I have actually known. She rests in glory: Sister, Mother, Friend, Lover, Teacher, Prophet. Shuhada Sadaqat. Thank you.
Beautifully said and I feel very similarly. Soon it'll be half a year, and what would've been her 57th birthday in a few days. And my grief has only deepened.
I was basically the same age as Sinead. First heard her when I was 17 and she was 21. The music brought me to my knees. She spoke to my soul. With the voice of an angel. There will never be another like her.
What an extraordinary amazing performance. One can't look away. Unfortunately too many did it seems. Every single word coming straight from the heart. What an inspiration!! Thank you Sinead. Blessings to all of her family members who are having to find their way through this. Rest in peace Sinead.
I knew she would die young from a broken heart after losing her beloved son, just the same as Lisa Marie Presley did after losing her son. Us mothers need our sons. We are broken without them.
It's sad that we don't see many artists singing about issues that are so important and relevant anymore. Popular music is so shallow now... Primarily just all about narcissism, vanity and greed, it seems. I've always loved Sinead O'Connors voice. And this song still gives me the chills... but in a good, meaningful way. She had the courage to sing about and stand up for issues that so many people are uncomfortable talking about or don't want to face the reality of.
What’s equally sad is people’s unwillingness to explore music outside of what’s fed to them. There’s is so much good, powerful music outside of the pop world and people seem so frightened to explore that because it’s labeled indie/alternative/punk. Go to a record store and talk to the person at the record store and explore and make yourself uncomfortable. You might enjoy it.
This is the most perfect song for right now, as it was then. The best people of the world abandoned her when she spoke her truth and her truth was the real truth. It makes me sick that the world did this to one of the greatest poet, revolutionary, bad ass, beautiful people I've every slightly known of/Read about. Throw Down Your Arms, by Sinead is hard to find to own, but its on RU-vid and it's amazing!!
Both Throw Down Your Arms (reggae covers) and Sean Nos Nua (irish covers) are great. I will continue to make more karaoke versions of her songs, and both of those albums (and more) are planned...
Rest in peace beautiful soul. You are Ireland’s beloved banshee and renegade. You changed my life and so many others and for this I am forever grateful. ❤️
It takes a lot of courage to really look for the Truth and speak out about it, and especially what Sinead lately managed to do in her life for sincerely having wanted to find out who really God is and when she did she accepted the Truth . Sinead was so brave and sincere and she found the True religion of God Islam. May Allah always guide her and may he guide others who are really wanting to know Him and submit to Him. Nothing else awaits those who submit to Him and obey Him but a happy life here and the Eternal life in Paradise.
I was a Boomer. Born in 64. More of a metal head in the early 80's. Two artist changed my way of thinking in the mid to late 80's. Natalie Merchant and Sinead. Still love my metal but they brought reality to music just like late 60's and 70's music opened us up to sending kids to war in Asian lands. .
Jesus. It's hard to truly remember who powerful a singer and songwriter she was. Spellbinding. The album this in on is one my favourites regardless of artists. Luv and Peace.
I love Sinead. Not only for her music but for her strength and speaking out...for speaking the truth.. and singing it. She was. Ridiculed for speaking the TRUTH
When this originally came out on your album I played it over and over because I could feel your empathy and compassion through it. It saddens me that's it's 2020 and it's still the same way in the world, especially in the US. I will always fight for what's right till my dying breath! ✌🏼Thank you for such a beautifully poignant song! 💞
She was so ahead of her time - most of missed it & now we listen in wonder & awe & shed a thousand tears🌷love this incredible woman who bore so much scorn with her head held high because she knew it wasn’t about her - she sang & spoke for the voiceless, the poor & downtrodden..
After all these years she still moves me to tears. Her strength and courage were unheard of in a woman pop singer. Much love and respect to you #sineado’connor
“…to say what you feel is to lay your own grave” At times when she was poised to capitalize on her momentum she always did and said what she felt was right knowing she would be cancelled. This song is so powerful in so many ways. Rest in Peace. ✊🙏❤️
I often come back to this song & performance. Sadly, this time to give her the Flowers she much deserved 💐💐💐💐💐 Rest Peacefully Sinaed. You will be missed 🙏❤️🕊🌹
Not everyone in the USA hates you Sinead, I know quite a few who would love to see you in concert here in the states. Well for me, in Pittsburgh, Pa area. At any rate, its a shame such a beautiful singer was forced out by the sheeple. Much love Sinead!!! You are an AMAZING SINGER/SONG WRITER!!! I miss you in the US!!
I thought of this after reading posts about her devastating death on Twitter. I listened to this song so many times back then. Probably without fully understanding the depth of it. I often had it on repeat, if I needed to find my way back to being calm after being the opposite for too long. Such an extreme paradox of soul-wrenching lyrics and a uniquely peaceful melody. "To say what you feel is to dig your own grave". Talk about World insight. Created by bitter experience in her own life. I hope you find true peace, Sinéad. ❤
Hell of a song, and it's true meaning is tragic. I researched the death of Colin Roach, a young black motorist in England who died while in police custody. The truth about his death is still not known to this day. Fuck rogue cops ! Sinead O' Connor has a ton of courage to bring this to everyone's attention.
@@nikkifarrington-clarke9995 all lives matter, people are being turned on each other by the far left. More innocent black people have been killed by protestors while they were defending their properties. How can this be just? Its not and the far left need to be held accountable. More damage has been caused by these rioters who are not interested in the cause of the movement. Anybody getting killed in any kind of violence is not on. Millions get killed around the world by govts and wars. These are the issues we need to focus on, some countries literally do get away with murder.
@@baddrivers6807 yes of course all lives matter...the phrase black lives matter is ot the same as saying ONLY black lives. Right now though it seems that black folk especially black men in the usa are being disproportionately targeted for police interest and brutality on the basis of their skin colour and this continuing discrimination against the black community after over 400 years of slavery, segregation, discrimination HAS to stop don't you think? violence is ot the answer of course but it is a symptom of frustration at the continuing institutional racism that blights most so called 1st world (western countries)
@@baddrivers6807 The far left killed the people defending their property? Anything to back up that claim with? And as for countries that get away with murder, the USA is certainly one of those.
@@nikkifarrington-clarke9995 Do you also notice how these people who say "all lives matter" tend not to give a toss about any other lives than their own?
Such incredible vocals from Sinead as always. Moves me to tears as usual. Such beauty and emotion captured in her voice. No one can sing like that these days.
I dont know but when i listen to sinead sing live gives me a damn goosebumps everytime..brave artist,full of passion..much respect from the philippines..
Outstanding and awesome. To hear that she dies last week is a shock. But her voice will be here for a long time. Her wonderful Irish song Raglan Road will live forever. Read the poem, which gives goose-bumps, and Sineads is the best version I know. R.I.P. angel-voice!
It's interesting when an artist's words and performance are so powerful and elegant that they challenge what you believe down to the foundations. I dreamt of this song last night, woke up with it in my head for some reason. I haven't heard it in years. I was hearing this song and someone saying "The flower children don't understand the Devil.'
I've saved this here vid to my "Mentors, Leaders, Heros" list. May she be met by the right ancestors. May the right gates be opened unto her. May she be led upon the right path. May she arrive at the right place. For the highest good, truth, and beauty of all our relations. In this generation, and throughout all generations of time. Slán Abhaile Sinéad. Beannacht ar an taobh eile leat.
