In a Lifetime

"In a Lifetime"
Single by Clannad featuring Bono
from the album Macalla
Released	January 1986
Recorded	1985, Windmill Studios, Dublin, Ireland
Genre	Pop rock, New-age
Length	3:09
Label	BMG and Island Records
Writer(s)	Pól Brennan, Ciarán Brennan
Producer(s)	Steve Nye
Clannad featuring Bono singles chronology
"Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn)" (1985) "In a Lifetime" (1986) "Robin of Sherwood EP" (1986) Audio sample file info · help

For the Clannad album of the same name, go to The Best of Clannad: In a Lifetime.

"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 well in many countries including USA, Ireland, UK, Italy and Brazil. It is one of Clannad's most successful songs and it remains as Bono's most successful solo effort.

The single was re-released in 1989 with a change of artwork on the cover and a different B Side ("Indoor"). The song also appears on Moya Brennan's 2008 live album Heart Strings and on Triniti's début album.

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. 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, was praised for its haunting portrayal of the Irish countryside and old Irish traditions.

Track listing

7" vinyl (TS 025 / PB 40535)

1. "In a Lifetime"
2. "Indoor"

12" vinyl (PT 40536)

1. "In a Lifetime"
2. "Northern Skyline"
3. "Indoor"
4. "Newgrange"

Chart history

Chart (1986 / 1989)	Peak position	Weeks
Dutch Top 40	14	9
Ireland	5	5
New Zealand Chart	32	6
UK Singles Chart	17	5

1989 Re-release

"In a Lifetime"
Single by Clannad featuring Bono
Released	1989
Recorded	1985, Windmill Studios, Dublin, Ireland
Genre	Pop rock, New-age
Length	3:09
Label	BMG and Island Records
Writer(s)	Pól Brennan, Ciarán Brennan
Producer(s)	Steve Nye
Clannad featuring Bono singles chronology
"The Hunter " (1989) "In a Lifetime" (1989) "Hourglass" (1989)

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.

Track listing

7" vinyl & cassette

1. In a Lifetime
2. Something to Believe In

12" vinyl

1. In a Lifetime
2. Something to Believe In
3. Caisleán Óir
4. The Wild Cry

5" compact disc

1. In a Lifetime
2. Something to Believe In
3. Caisleán Óir
4. The Wild Cry
5. Atlantic Realm [edit]

1993 Jameson Whiskey re-release

"In a Lifetime"
Single by Clannad featuring Bono
from the album Macalla
Released	1993
Recorded	1985, Windmill Studios, Dublin, Ireland
Genre	Pop rock, New-age
Length	3:09
Label	BMG and Island Records
Writer(s)	Pól Brennan, Ciarán Brennan
Producer(s)	Steve Nye
Clannad featuring Bono singles chronology
"Mystery Game " (1993) "In a Lifetime" (1993) "Seanchas" (1996)

In 1993, in connection with an advertising campaign for James Whiskey, both "Theme from Harry's Game" and "In A Lifetime" were re-released in The Netherlands.

Track listing

1. "In A Lifetime"
2. "There for You"

External links

• Video gallery at NorthernSkyline
• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics