What to say really. Sinead is an icon. A true warrior, who was never afraid to speak her mind. She didn't care who she upset, she just had to share her truth. She was hugely passionate, about using her voice to bring about change.
She was also a tortured soul, who suffered greatly, but that only fueled her creativity and passion for justice.
I grew up admiring her greatly. Her voice, her voice took you to another time and place. Where it was just you and Sinead and you would feel every word she sang.
I got to see her live once, she was heavily pregnant at the time her voice soared, her presence boomed I was in awe at this Goddess on Stage in front of me. She was carrying her son Shane, her son that committed suicide last year at the age of 17. Something a mother can never get over.
She was fearless. Ripping up a picture of the Pope, in protest of all the child abuse cases within the catholic church, that the Vatican tried so hard to cover up. Children sexually abused, sold, and killed. She spoke out, when hardly anyone else did. She was a voice for those children. Using her fame to spread awareness.
Sinead, alone on a stage with her acoustic guitar. Mesmerising the huge crowd, with the sheer force of her presence and her voice. Sharing her heartbreak with the crowd, roaring her pain away. Inspiring us all to do the same. As a teenager watching, this woman, witnessing her power, it blew me away. (It still does) The anger, seeing her express that anger so openly, wow that was something else. This was such a raw performance one of my favourites, of hers.
I love the traditional music of my homeland. So many of the songs, hold so much pain, which really is a true reflection of our history. You really need to be able to connect with that pain, to do these songs justice and that is something Sinead does so well. This is one of my favourites, "She Moved Through The Fair". It's one I've been singing myself lately. No one sings it quite like our Sinead though!
Sinead led a very public life unapologetically so. She followed her heart, she lived her life, how she wanted to. Sharing her break downs with us all, alongside her most creative moments. She followed many faiths, as she tried to make sense of life itself, like she really needed to taste it all, so she could understand it more. Such a warrior. I have a huge amount of respect for her.
This song is another favourite of mine.
Thank you Sinead for showing me how strong a woman can be, whilst also being vulnerable. Thank you for showing me how important it is to speak the truth, even when everyone else around you turns the other way. Thank you for using your voice, for being fearless, for being a true warrior. Thank you for sharing your gift with us, your music has inspired so many. Thank you, for always being true to who you are.