Released: April 30, 1996

Songwriter: Dolores O’Riordan

Producer: The Cranberries Bruce Fairbairn

Though once you ruled my mind
I thought you'd always be there
And I'll always hold on to your face
But everything changes in time
And the answers are not always fair
And I hope you've gone to a better place

Cordell, time will tell
They say that you passed away
And I hope you've gone to a better place
Time will tell, time will tell
They say that you passed away
And I know that you've gone to a better place

Cordell, Cordell
Cordell, Cordell

Your lover and baby will cry
But your presence will always remain
Is this how it was meant to be
You meant something more to me
Than what many people will see
And to hell with the industry

Cordell, time will tell
They say that you passed away
And I hope you've gone to a better place
Time will tell, time will tell
We all will depart and decay
And we all will return to a better place

Cordell, Cordell
Cordell, Cordell

Nana, nana, nana, nana
Nana, nana, nana, nana

The Cranberries

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.