"The Lion and the Cobra" is the debut album by Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, released on October 5, 1987, by Ensign and Chrysalis Records. O'Connor recorded the album during the later stages of her pregnancy with her first child. The title references Psalm 91:13, which mentions treading upon the lion and cobra. The track "Never Get Old" begins with an Irish language recital of Psalm 91 by singer Enya.
The album cover features a photograph taken by Kate Garner, a former member of Haysi Fantayzee. The U.S. and Canadian editions featured a different, more subdued pose for a "softer" image compared to the European release.
The first single, "Troy," peaked at number five in the Netherlands and number 12 in Belgium but did not achieve significant success in Britain. The second single, "Mandinka," became a pop hit in the UK, reaching number 17 and peaking at number six in Ireland.
"I Want Your (Hands on Me)" was included in the 1988 film A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, featuring prominently in a character's death scene and the end credits. Released as the third single in the UK, it peaked at number 77, with a remix featuring a rap by MC Lyte not included on the album version.
The album charted globally, reaching number 27 in the UK and number 36 on the US Billboard 200. O'Connor received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards. In 2005, she expressed pride in the album's songs, noting her reluctance to perform them as they were written during a therapeutic process.
