The Cranberries

Released: April 30, 1996

Songwriter: Dolores O’Riordan

Producer: The Cranberries Bruce Fairbairn

It was the fearful night of December 8th
He was returning home from the studio late
He had perceptively known that it wouldn't be nice
Because in 1980, he paid the price

John Lennon died, John Lennon died, John Lennon died
John Lennon died, John Lennon died, John Lennon died

With a Smith and Wesson .38
John Lennon's life was no longer a debate
He should have stayed at home
He should have never cared
And the man who took his life declared, he said:

"I Just Shot John Lennon!"
He said: "I Just Shot John Lennon!"
What a sad and sorry and sickening sight
It was a sad and sorry and sickening night

Oh a sad and sorry and sickening sight
It was a sad and sorry and sickening night

"I Just Shot John Lennon!"
He said, "I Just Shot John Lennon!"
What a sad and sorry and sickening sight
It was a sad and sorry and sickening night

Oh a sad and sorry and sickening sight
It was a sad and sorry and sickening night

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

To The Faithful Departed (The Complete Sessions 1996-1997)

From the albums

To The Faithful Departed (The Complete Sessions 1996-1997) (1996)
To The Faithful Departed (1996)

The Cranberries popular songs

I Just Shot John LennonThe Cranberries

The Cranberries

To The Faithful Departed (The Complete Sessions 1996-1997)