The Cranberries

Released: October 3, 1994

Songwriter: Dolores O’Riordan

Producer: Stephen Street

Here is a story
Of hope and of glory
Eighteen years old
And well I fell in love

But after that
Where have you gone, from me?
The one that I loved endlessly
We used to have a life
But now it's all gone
Mystified...
Mystified...
Mystified...
Mystified...
Mystified...
Mystified...
Mystified...

Does it have to be so cold in Ireland?
Does it have to be so cold in Ireland for me?
Are they ready for me?
Are they ready for me?

Where have you gone, from me?
The one that I loved endlessly
We were to have a child
Yesterday's gone

Well I knew the time would come
When I'd have to leave, go on
Look what they've done to me
They've taken my hand...
And it's killing me
Killing me
Killing me
Killing me

Does it have to be so cold in Ireland?
Does it have to be so cold in Ireland for me?
Are they ready for me?
Are they ready for me?
Are they ready for me?

But I'm afraid I'm returning to Ireland
I'm afraid I'm returning to Ireland, I see
That there is nothing for me
There is nothing for me
There is nothing for me

The Cranberries were an Irish band who found major international success throughout the 1990s as a part of the alternative rock movement. The group’s lineup included Dolores O'Riordan (singer and songwriter), Noel Hogan (guitarist and songwriter), Mike Hogan (bassist) and Fergal Lawler (drummer). Originally formed in 1989 under the name The Cranberry Saw Us, the band released an independent EP in 1991 that caught the attention of the industry. SPIN Magazine described the band’s sound as “dreamy swirl pop, midway between The Smiths and the Cocteau Twins cradling the will-o’-the-wispy vocals of Dolores O’Riordan.”

In 1992, the band began recording their first album for Island Records with Stephen Street, a producer best known for working with The Smiths. Their debut, Everybody Else is Doing It So Why Can’t We?, was initially ignored when released in early 1993, and it wasn’t until that fall—after the band opened for Suede and Duran Duran on their US tours—that MTV picked up on their single “Linger”. The song eventually peaked at #4 on the US Pop chart in 1994, and the album sold five million copies. Success around the world followed.

Later that year, the band released their sophomore album No Need To Argue, which went on to sell 7 million copies in the US. The lead single, “Zombie,” was a departure from the wistful love songs the band was known for, showcasing aggressive distorted guitars and a bold political message. The song was an immediate smash, hitting at #1 in several countries and topping the US Modern Rock chart. The follow-up single “Ode To My Family,” was a top 40 hit as well.

more tracks from the album

Doors and Windows - EP

From the albums

No Need to Argue (1994)
Doors and Windows - EP (1995)

The Cranberries popular songs

So Cold in IrelandThe Cranberries

The Cranberries

Doors and Windows - EP