Magda Davitt. Shuhada' Sadaqat. Sinéad O'Connor. Nothing compares to you.
In 1990 I remember hearing a synth-heavy song that was sung with solidarity, intimacy, and passion that I’m not sure I had ever heard in a song before. It had the soul of PRINCE, but the vocal performance sounded as if it was specifically (and only) crafted for the voice that I was hearing pierce through the speakers of my Casio boom box.
It was astonishing.
If you haven’t listened to Nothing Compares 2 U in a while, I invite you to listen to it again, remembering the music of that decade at that time. It is mesmerizing.
Then in 1992, this same artist (on national television) made a statement about the horror of the sexual abuse happening in the Catholic Church. That five seconds of activism arguably ruined her career. Although at that moment, she had the world in her hands- the fame, success, and money that so many wanted… She again chose to be astonishing and stand for a cause that we as a people wouldn’t begin to acknowledge until almost seven years later.
Sinéad O'Connor was special.
She also, like so many, fought battles with her mental health. Even in this battle, she let us know that we were not alone in our fights.
Again, Sinéad O'Connor was special.
This will for sure be up to debate by some, but I believe she left us with a legacy of truth, honesty, transparency, and humility. Her talent was extraordinary, but that was the least impressive thing about Sinéad. Rest in peace, you incredible soul.
The circumstances of how we lost Sinéad I do not know of and honestly, respectfully that is family business. God, losing anyone at that age is simply tragic.
But this is what I do know.
Friend, If you are struggling with mental health issues, there are many outlets available. Dialing 988 will connect you with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You matter in this world. There is only one you. And we need you. Sinéad said it best, my friend…. Nothing compares to YOU
