Fifty Figures to Help Resurrect Ireland -Day 47

Enya

Aug 03, 2024

Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, or Enya Patricia Brennan, known professionally as Enya, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician born on May 17, 1961, in Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland.

She began her music career in 1980 as a member of the Celtic band Clannad, before embarking on a solo career that has earned her international acclaim.

Enya's music is characterized by her ethereal, multi-layered sound, blending elements of Celtic, classical, and pop music. Her breakthrough came with her second album, "Watermark" (1988), featuring the hit single "Orinoco Flow," which topped charts worldwide.

Over the years, Enya has released several successful albums, including "Shepherd Moons" (1991), "The Memory of Trees" (1995), "A Day Without Rain" (2000), and "Amarantine" (2005). Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, and an Academy Award nomination for her song "May It Be" from the "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" soundtrack.

Despite her fame, Enya is known for her reclusive and private lifestyle. She rarely performs live or gives interviews, preferring to spend her time in her castle in Ireland, where she records her music. Her unique sound, characterized by lush, layered vocals and synthesized backdrops, has made her one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, with an estimated 80 million records sold worldwide.

Enya’s Subtle Christian Faith

Enya's Christian faith has been an influential and often misunderstood aspect of her life and music. Raised in a devout Catholic family in Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland, her upbringing instilled in her a sense of spirituality and devotion. This background has subtly influenced her work, though she doesn't often speak about her Christian faith in public.

However, Enya has stated that she admires the Catholic authors Oscar Wilde and J. R. R. Tolkien, in addition to Pope Francis.

While, fitting with her private character and her generation of Irish men and women, she has identified herself as "more spiritual than religious", she has still retained a distinct Christian spirituality. Proclaiming that that she still prays but prefers "going into churches when they're empty". (*)

Athair Ar Neamh

Heavenly Father, God with us
Athair ar Neamh, Dia linn

Heavenly Father, God is with me
Athair ar Neamh, Dia liom

My soul, my heart, my glory
M'anam, mo chroí, mo ghlóir

Praise be to you, God
Moladh duit, a Dhia

A long time, in peace
Fada an lá, go sámh

Long night', without gloom
Fada an oích', gan ghruaim

Joy, joy, love
Aoibhneas, áthas, grá

Praise be to you, God
Moladh duit, a Dhia

I love you every day
Móraim thú ó lá go lá

I love you from night to night
Móraim thú ó oích' go hóich'

The moon, the sun, the wind
An ghealach, an ghrian, an ghaoth

The moon, the sun, the wind
An ghealach, an ghrian, an ghaoth

Although not always as obvious as Athair Ar Neamh, many of Enya's songs feature spiritual themes and references to Christian faith. For instance, "Angeles" from her album "Shepherd Moons" (1991) contains lyrics that hint at a guardian angel, reflecting a Christian concept of divine protection and guidance.

Which my friend Jonathan Pageau has said pulls us up, as the Daimon of ancient Greece might push us from below. (Also, see Gregory Vlastos on Socrates)

Another notable song, "May It Be," written for "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," includes a phrase in the Elvish language that translates to "May it be an evening star shines down upon you," echoing a prayerful benediction.

Influence of Sacred Music:

Enya's work often incorporates elements of Gregorian chant and other forms of sacred music, which are integral to the Catholic liturgical tradition. This influence is evident in the choral arrangements and modal melodies that pervade her compositions.

This is especially evident in Pax Deorum.

Moreover, ‘Pax Deorum’ in English means ‘Peace of the Gods’

Aside from the musical borrowing from Gregorian chant, the lyrics in English are as follows:

Father in Heaven, God bless us

Father in Heaven, God bless me

Believe that each day which breaks is your last.

Enya is Not Just Another New Age Artist

Some Christians have written Enya and her music off as ‘new age’. However, both she and her musical partners, The Ryan’s have disputed this label. Furthermore, her music itself tells a different story.

In 1988, Enya is believed to have said about New Age music "it's air, thin air. It's a musical drug" (*) and noted its spineless nature, unlike her own music. Which is more multi-layered and, which I hope the above examples suggest, can be better understood within a rich tradition of western music.

(See Jeremy Begbie and Gavin Hopps)

With Nicky Ryan arguing against the New Age claim, that ‘‘Enya plays a whole lot of instruments, not just keyboards. Her melodies are strong, and she sings a lot. So, I can't see a comparison." (*)

In a later interview, Enya said that she "…felt that title was given to any musician whom critics didn't know how to pigeonhole." (*)

Personal Reflections:

Enya has occasionally spoken about the importance of her Christian faith. In interviews, she has described how her spirituality provides her with peace and inspiration. Despite her fame, she maintains a private and reflective lifestyle, which aligns with her spiritual values. By their fruits, we shall know them. This element of resisting the lure of fame is something many Christians could learn from, especially given the success of the ‘prosperity gospel’ in different parts of the world.

Collaborations and Dedications:

Enya has worked closely with lyricist Roma Ryan, who also shares a deep interest in spirituality and often incorporates spiritual and philosophical themes into the lyrics. This partnership has resulted in music that frequently touches upon introspective and transcendent themes.

Enya's music, characterized as it is by its serene and contemplative qualities, can be seen as an extension of her spiritual outlook. Her ability to create a sense of peace and introspection in her listeners is a testament to the quiet influence of her Christian faith.

Enya’s Continued Importance for Irish People

Enya holds a significant place in Irish culture and could be particularly important for Irish Christians for several reasons:

Cultural Ambassador:

Enya's music, which often incorporates elements of traditional Irish music, helps to promote and preserve Irish culture on a global stage. Her use of the Irish language (Gaeilge) in some of her songs and her incorporation of Celtic motifs resonate deeply with our distinct Irish heritage. As a cultural ambassador, she brings international attention and respect to Irish music and traditions.

Spiritual Influence:

For Irish Christians, Enya’s music provides a blend of contemporary and traditional spiritual elements. Her use of Gregorian chant-like harmonies, ethereal melodies, and themes of peace and reflection align well with Christian spirituality and should not be dismissed as merely ‘new age’. At their best, her songs can evoke a sense of tranquillity and contemplation, qualities that are rightly valued in Christian worship and personal devotion.

Representation of Ireland's Spiritual Heritage:

Bringing both together, Enya’s music is imbued with a sense of mysticism and Christian spirituality that reflects Ireland's rich spiritual heritage. This includes its Celtic, Christian, and Celtic Christian elements. For Irish Christians, her music can be a bridge between these two traditions, offering a holistic sense of Irish spiritual identity - in line with ‘the myth made fact’ of her hero, Tolkien and fellow Irish person, C.S. Lewis.

Role Model of Success and Humility:

Enya's international success might serve as an inspiration to many Irish people. She has achieved global fame while staying true to her roots and maintaining her privacy and humility. Her reserved commitment to her faith and heritage, alongside her family-oriented lifestyle can be particularly inspiring to Irish Christians who value these same principles. Even as she lives as a single woman. Which is a valued part of the Christian faith.

Music as a Source of Comfort and Inspiration:

Enya's music is often used for meditation, relaxation, and spiritual reflection. For many Irish Christians, and in the right contexts, her compositions can provide comfort and a sense of connection to their Christian faith. The spiritual and serene nature of her music can serve as a form of musical prayer or meditation.

Promoter of Peace and Reflection:

Enya’s themes of peace, nature, and introspection align well with Christian values of harmony, contemplation, and the appreciation of God’s creation. Her songs often create a peaceful ambiance that encourages listeners to reflect on their spirituality and faith.

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth´s lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation…

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I´m clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

In summary, Enya is or should be important for Irish people, especially Irish Christians, because she embodies and promotes Irish culture, spirituality, and values on a global scale. Her music offers a blend of contemporary and traditional elements that resonate with our Irish heritage and Christian faith.

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Fifty Figures to Help Resurrect Ireland -Day 47

Enya