The Island

Paul Brady

About The Island

"The Island" is a 1985 song by Northern Irish musician Paul Brady, who comes from Strabane in County Tyrone. The song appeared on the album 'Back to the Centre', and features Kenny Craddock on piano. The only other instrument is a guitar solo by Phil Palmer The album was produced by long time Brady collaborator Ian Maidman (later known as Jennifer Maidman). The start of the song compares the tragic events of the Lebanese Civil War with the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1980s. Comments are made on activities in Northern Ireland: "They're rising banners over by the markets / Whitewashing slogans on the shipyard wall". "The Markets" is a well known Republican area surrounding St George's Market in Belfast, and the shipyard is that of Harland and Wolff in East Belfast, near a Loyalist area. The song then compares the peace and serenity of making love on the island with the hypocrisy of some religious leaders and the tragedy of young people being "sacrificed" (on both sides) for political beliefs. 


Year:
1999
5:26
123 
#1

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The Island (Paul Brady) 

They say the skies of Lebanon are burning.
Those mighty cedars bleeding in the heat. 
They're showing pictures on the television. 
Women and children dying in the street 
And we're still at it in our own place. 
Still trying to reach the future through the past. 
Still trying to carve tomorrow from a tombstone... 

Chorus 

But Hey! Don't listen to me!.
This wasn't meant to be no sad song. 
We've heard too much of that before. 
Right now I only want to be here with you. 
Till the morning dew comes falling. 
I want to take you to the island. 
And trace your footprints in the sand. 
And in the evening when the sun goes down 
We'll make love to the sound of the ocean 

They're raising banners over by the markets 
Whitewashing slogans on the shipyard walls 
Witchdoctors praying for a mighty showdown 
No way our holy flag is gonna fall 
Up here we sacrifice our children 
To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday 
And teach them dying will lead us into glory... 

Repeat chorus 

Now I know us plain folks don't see all the story. 
And I know this peace and love's just copping out. 
And I guess these young boys dying in the ditches. 
Is just what being free is all about. 
And how this twisted wreckage down on main street. 
Will bring us all together in the end. 
And we'll go marching down the road to freedom.... 
Freedom

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Paul Brady

Paul Joseph Brady (born 19 May 1947) is an Irish singer-songwriter, whose work straddles folk and pop. He was interested in a wide variety of music from an early age. During his career he has passed through several major bands and on to a successful solo phase. Initially popular for playing traditional Irish music in a duo with Andy Irvine and later with Tommy Peoples and Matt Molloy, he later turned to a more rock inspired electric style with poignant political lyrics. Among his most popular songs are "Crazy Dreams", "Nothing but the Same Old Story", "The Island", "Night Hunting" (covered by Santana), and "Steel Claw" and "Paradise is Here"(covered by Tina Turner). more »

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Written by: GEOFFREY DOWNES, TREVOR CHARLES HORN

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"The Island" is a song by the Irish singer-songwriter, Paul Brady. It was first released as a track on his 1985 album titled "Back to the Centre."
Lyric Content
The song's lyrics are a metaphorical and heavy-hearted take on the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Despite its political undertone, it is largely seen as a love song, expressing longing and heartache.
Song Reception
"The Island" has been critically acclaimed since its release, with many praising Brady's lyrical prowess and the emotional depth of the track.
Versatility of Song
The song has been covered by numerous artists in various genres, indicating its widespread appeal and the versatility of its composition.
Song Interpretation
Brady himself has described "The Island" as a song about peace, both in a general sense and specifically in relation to the provincial conflict in his home country of Ireland.
Prominent Covers
Famous renditions of "The Island" include covers by Irish artists Mary Black and Dolores Keane. Their versions helped further popularise the song.
Unique Song Construction
Unlike many other traditional folk songs, "The Island" doesn't stick to a verse-chorus format. Instead, the song is a series of six verses, each followed by a refrain.
Acclaim for Brady
Paul Brady is often celebrated for his ability to fuse his Irish roots with contemporary songwriting, and "The Island" is often cited as an example of this skill.
Artistic Influence
The song has been recognized for its influence on other prominent artists. Pop superstar Ed Sheeran has cited Paul Brady's music, particularly this track, as being instrumental in shaping his own songwriting style.
Cultural Importance
"The Island" continues to hold cultural importance; it's included in many anthologies and compilations of significant Irish music and is frequently played on Irish radio stations.

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