Released in 1994, In the Name of the Father spotlights a powerful collaboration between Gavin Friday and Bono. The single fuses theatrical art rock with bold, alternative sensibilities. Its lush production and emotive vocals capture the spirit of the era. A memorable, experimental anthem that stands the test of time.
Island records
1994
In 1993, director Jim Sheridan enlisted his friends Gavin Friday and Bono to contribute music to In the Name of the Father, a film about the wrongful imprisonment of the Guildford Four for an IRA bombing. Gavin Friday and Maurice Seezer teamed up with Bono to write three original songs for the movie’s soundtrack. Two of these songs were performed by Gavin and Bono themselves, and the third was given to Sinéad O’Connor to sing.
“In the Name of the Father”. A driving title track co-written by Gavin Friday, Maurice Seezer, and Bono. Performed as a duet by Gavin Friday and Bono, this song plays over the film’s opening sequence, timed to kick in as a bomb explodes. Its powerful placement underlines the drama from the very start of the movie.
“Billy Boola”. An upbeat, whimsical track co-written by Friday, Seezer, and Bono (also sung by Gavin and Bono). In the film it serves as a lighter moment, heard during a scene where characters ransack a prostitute’s house. The song’s playful energy provides a brief comic relief within the tense storyline.
“You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart”. An emotional ballad co-written by Friday, Seezer, and Bono, performed by Sinéad O’Connor. An instrumental version of this song is used during a poignant prison scene after a character’s death, and O’Connor’s vocal version plays in full over the closing credits. This song was released as the film’s lead single and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.
