Molly Malone
Sinead O'Connor · Sean-Nos Nua
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone
As she wheeled her wheelbarrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O!
A-live a-live O! A-live a-live O!
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O!
She was a fishmonger and sure it was no wonder
For so were her father and mother before
And they both wheeled their barrows
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O!
A-live a-live O! A-live a-live O!
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O!
She died of a fever and no one could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone
Now her ghost wheels her barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O!
A-live a-live O! A-live a-live O!
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O!
A-live a-live O! A-live a-live O!
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live O!
Molly Malone
Sinead O'Connor's rendition of the traditional Irish ballad 'Molly Malone' appears on her 1990 album Sean-Nos Nua. The track showcases her distinctive vocal style, blending raw emotion with a deep connection to her Irish heritage. While the song is widely recognized as a cultural anthem for Dublin, O'Connor's interpretation brings a unique, haunting quality that aligns with her broader discography of reimagining classic material. This recording stands as a testament to her ability to honor tradition while infusing it with contemporary soul. Her performance captures the enduring spirit of the original narrative, offering listeners a fresh perspective on a beloved standard without relying on the dramatic flair often associated with her more famous pop hits.