In A Lifetime

Album: Macalla (1986)
Charted: 17
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • U2 lead singer Bono is featured on this song. According to a 1986 article in Smash Hits magazine, this song was the first time that Irish family group Clannad recorded with an outside musician. In the mid-1980s U2 frequently ended their concerts by playing out with Clannad's biggest hit, the "Theme From Harry's Game." Clannad had already written the new single when they asked Bono if he'd come in and add some vocals to it. Clannad's vocalist Maire Brennan recalls, "He just walked in the studio and improvised his vocal in 2 takes, making up a lot of lyrics on the spot. The whole thing took about 10 minutes. It was one of the most remarkable things I've ever seen in a studio."
  • "Macalla" is Gaelic for "Echo." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Paul from NetherlandsI remember this song from my early teenage years. After Theme from Harry's Game this was great to hear on the radio. Gentle, powerful, haunting, beautiful.... One of my favourite duets.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.