The Cranberries

Released: September 13, 1994

Songwriter: Hal David Burt Bacharach

Producer: Stephen Street

[Verse 1]
Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?

[Chorus]
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

[Verse 2]
Why do stars fall off from the sky
Every time you walk by?

[Chorus]
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

[Verse 3]
On the day that you were born
The angels got together
They decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair
And put a starlight in your eyes so blue

[Chorus]
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you, all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Aah
Close to you
Aah
Close to you
Aah, aah
Close to you
Aah, aah
Close to you
Aah, aah
Close to you
Aah, aah
Close to you

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

If I Were A Carpenter

From the albums

If I Were A Carpenter (1994)
No Need to Argue (1994)

The Cranberries popular songs

(They Long to Be) Close to YouThe Cranberries

The Cranberries

If I Were A Carpenter