In a Lifetime
"In a Lifetime" | ||||
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Single by Clannad featuring Bono | ||||
from the album Macalla | ||||
Released | 13 January 1986 | |||
Recorded | 1985, Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland | |||
Genre | Pop rock, New-age | |||
Length | 3:09 | |||
Label | BMG and Island Records | |||
Songwriter(s) | Pól Brennan, Ciarán Brennan | |||
Producer(s) | Steve Nye | |||
Clannad featuring Bono singles chronology | ||||
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Audio sample | ||||
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"In a Lifetime" is a pop song performed by Irish artists Clannad and Bono. It was written by brothers Pól Brennan and Ciarán Brennan and produced by Steve Nye. The single was released in January 1986, and was the third single to be released from Clannad's eighth studio album Macalla (1985). It charted in many countries including United States, Ireland, UK, Italy and Brazil. It is one of Clannad's most successful songs and it remains as Bono's most successful solo effort.[1]
The single was re-released in 1989 with a change of artwork on the cover and a different B Side ("Something To Believe In (edit)"). The song also appears on Moya Brennan's 2008 live album Heart Strings and on Triniti's début album.
Background
Clannad had already written most of the lyrics for the song and recorded a backing track when the group asked Bono of U2 if he would collaborate with them on the recording, the first time the group had allowed an outside artist to join them in recording one of their tracks. The track was recorded over two nights at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin. After the first evening’s recording session was completed an electrical storm raged throughout the night which inspired many of the artists to bring extra lyrics and ideas for the track to the following day’s session, with Pol Brennan explaining later that he had stayed up much of the night writing. The second day’s recording saw Bono improvise some of his lyrics and vocal style to suit the song, completing his contribution in two takes. The recording session, as Moya Brennan remembers, was “one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever seen in a studio.”[2]
Music video
The video was shot in Clannad's hometown of Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland. It is set in 1930's Ireland and it is based on the lives of local folk around this time. The visuals are very atmospheric and fit well with the song's theme. It shows young children walking along a narrow road in the countryside, followed by a hearse. It also shows old men drinking in a pub. The video, which was directed by Meiert Avis, shows a haunting portrayal of the Irish countryside and old Irish traditions.
Track listing
7" vinyl (TS 025 / PB 40535)
- "In a Lifetime"
- "Indoor"
12" vinyl (PT 40536)
- "In a Lifetime"
- "Northern Skyline"
- "Indoor"
- "Newgrange"
Chart history
Chart (1986 / 1989) | Peak position |
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Dutch Top 40 | 14 |
Ireland | 5 |
New Zealand Chart | 32 |
UK Singles Chart | 17 |
1989 re-release
In 1989, to promote Clannad's 'best-of' compilation, Pastpresent, "In a lifetime" was re-released. The song was the first single from the compilation. The single was released on four formats, which included a picture disc version of the 7" vinyl release. The B-side of the single included the track "Something to Believe In", a collaboration with American musician Bruce Hornsby, taken from the 1987 Clannad album Sirius.
Track listing
7" vinyl & cassette
- In a Lifetime
- Something to Believe In
12" vinyl
- In a Lifetime
- Something to Believe In
- Caisleán Óir
- The Wild Cry
5" compact disc
- In a Lifetime
- Something to Believe In
- Caisleán Óir
- The Wild Cry
- Atlantic Realm [edit]
1993 Jameson Irish Whiskey campaign re-release
In 1993, in connection with an advertising campaign for Jameson Irish Whiskey, both "Theme from Harry's Game" and "In a Lifetime" were re-released in The Netherlands.
Track listing
- "In a Lifetime"
- "There for You"
References
External links
- Video gallery at NorthernSkyline
- v
- t
- e
- Ciarán Brennan
- Moya Brennan
- Pól Brennan
- Noel Duggan
- Pádraig Duggan
- Enya Brennan
- Clannad in Concert
- Clannad: Live in Concert
- Clannad: Christ Church Cathedral
- The Collection
- Pastpresent
- Themes
- Rogha: The Best of Clannad
- The Best of Clannad: In a Lifetime
- An Díolaim
- Celtic Themes
- Beginnings: The Best of the Early Years
- In a Lifetime
- "Theme from Harry's Game"
- "I See Red"
- "Newgrange"
- "Robin (The Hooded Man)"
- "Closer to Your Heart"
- "Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn)"
- "In a Lifetime"
- "Something to Believe In"
- "Live and Learn"
- "The Hunter"
- "Hourglass"
- "In Fortune's Hand"
- "Why Worry?"
- "Theme from Harry's Game" (1992)
- "Both Sides, Now"
- "Mystery Game"
- "Seanchas"