Upon hearing of her soul returning Home, I watched video interviews with Sinead O’Connor in recent years. Perhaps she did not use the term lightworker directly; yet, I do.
Artist, musician, songwriter and devoted mother, Sinead O’Connor seemed to seek connections to God Source throughout her bold, brave life. She studied religion, and later theology, extensively. She ultimately resonated with Islam. She joined the family of Islam and embraced the Koran.
When one thinks of Irish music, they likely conjure sounds of Bono and U2, The Irish Rovers, Van Morrison, or Celtic Women… At the crazy young age of 22, Sinead was catapulted from her native Dublin and European stages onto the global stage. She defied description, in the 1980’s, 1990’s and now.
She used her massive global platform to bravely speak and sing her unique truth. She created 10 albums that sold millions. Her voice was comparable to few artists. Her voice is perhaps reminiscent of Annie Lennox and Pink.
Sinead rejected labels. She did not drink, nor did she do drugs. She shaved her head so that vapid music executives could not sell her image or body for anything sexual. She was interested in creating music ~ period.
She defied all stereotypes, and refused to be marketed as a product. She created original songs and performed in several genres and styles. Sinead stood her ground when no younger female artist did so. The only Madonna that interested Sinead was the mother of Jesus.
As a truth teller who risked everything, Sinead shined a spotlight on abuse when no one dared do so. In 1990, she hosted SNL on live US TV. Sinead called the practices of the institution of the Roman Catholic Church ~ whose presence in Ireland was vast and suppressive ~ corrupt, criminal, and abusive to children.
Sinead was dropped by her record label after selling 7 million albums for them. I am sad to report that she was booed from the stage by rowdy rude audiences in the US. As the Sound of Freedom reverberates and exposes darkness currently, Sinead was a sole torch bearer who lit the way thirty years earlier.
Like so many brave souls who came later, Sinead was cancelled. She was deemed crazy. Today she would be labelled as a conspiracy theorist. Sadly, those false claims followed her for the rest of her earthly life. Media, well-intentioned interviewers, even on her home RTE, always referenced her past.
Ironically and unabashedly, Sinead’s claims were founded. Her courage to be herself was admirable. Unlike her peers, she never recanted, nor did she apologize. Sinead never uttered to us or her audience; “I was right,” or “I told you so,” which speaks volumes.
Sinead likely never imagined that Nothing Compares to You would so brilliantly capture her being; rather than serve as an inspired song that she interpreted and generously shared with the world.
Prince may have crafted the lyrics and melody; yet, Sinead launched the song into the stratosphere.
Her Nothing Compares to You rendition defied gravity. Its beauty transcended, and poignancy inspired its listeners, spanning generations.
My prayerful intention is that those spotlights now shine and light her path with grace and peace as she joins those she loved. May hers be a journey of expansion where she embraces true freedom and enjoys endless expression.
I feel grateful to share an Irish heritage with Sinead, who was a bold, wise lady, enchanted songwriter, talented performer, and devoted mother. Sinead said in interviews that she preferred to share her gifts by singing rather than discussing her storied past, so it is fitting to remember her that way.
Fellow gifted female artists, Pink and Brandi Carlyle, honor the immense power, inspired music, and legacy of this brave Irish icon. May the road rise to meet this real seeker, way shower, and truth teller, who paved her path where few dared to tread.
Please enjoy this heartfelt musical tribute of Nothing Compares to You…
Slainte, dear Sinead, Brava!