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. It charted well in many countries including United States, 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. 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, showed a haunting portrayal of the Irish countryside and old Irish traditions.

Track listing

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

    Chart history

1989 Re-release

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

    1993 Jameson Whiskey re-release

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"