Great reaction to a classic song! it was written about an IRA bombing in Warrington,England that killed two schoolchildren….here’s what Delores said about why she wrote the song. “There were a lot of bombs going off in London and I remember this one time a child was killed when a bomb was put in a rubbish bin -- that's why there's that line in the song, 'A child is slowly taken,'" O'Riordan told Songwriting Magazine. "We were on a tour bus and I was near the location where it happened, so it really struck me hard - I was quite young, but I remember being devastated about the innocent children being pulled into that kind of thing. So I suppose that's why I was saying, 'It's not me' - that even though I'm Irish it wasn't me, I didn't do it. Because being Irish, it was quite hard, especially in the UK when there was so much tension." She told Vox magazine in 1994 that the song was written in part as a mechanism to grapple with her identity as an Irish citizen that did not support the actions of the IRA. "The IRA are not me. I'm not the IRA. The Cranberries are not the IRA. My family are not. ... When it says in the song, 'It's not me, it's not my family,' that's what I'm saying. It's not Ireland".
Sweet Delores - gone way too soon. She used her Gaelic heritage in her vocals, truly one of a kind. Listen to more Cranberries - anti-war - we all need to listen to this more. xo
The specific bombing inspired the song, but the sentiment in the song encompasses the whole "troubles" era in Northern Ireland ("it's the same old theme since 1916"), that went on so long that there were whole generations who grew up learning nothing other than to hate the other side ("another child slowly taken")..."zombie" referring to how both sides hated without thought or reason ("what's in your head?")...
Yeah, that's really a big part of the sadness, is that it is what the kids are being taught. We're actually seeing a similar (although not outright violent) hate between political parties here in the USA as well. No thought behind it, just pure hate or distaste for the other party that is so strong logic goes out the door completely.
This song was aimed at people who hear and see these things happening, and close their eyes, turn away, say nothing, and do nothing. "It's not me, it's not my family.". That includes musical artists. In the 1960's protest songs were their own genre', but, since then, songs like "Zombie" are a rarity. Nobody wants to take a stand, nobody wants to get involved, nobody wants to do anything that might mean that THEY might face some consequences. We all, when faced with wrongs, need to speak up and make our voices heard. If you stand by and let it happen, you are guilty. I appreciate you watching this. Nowadays we're facing important decisions, and, as an old person, I can tell you that your conscience doesn't forgive your silence.
Very well said. We agree that those who stand by and say nothing because it isn't currently impacting them are guilty as well, and at some point, it could very well be them and their families next.
Absolute tragedy Delores was taken too soon. Had the voice of an angel that could sing you to sleep. Unique talent is an understatement. R.I.P. Delores
Great Song.. (for me an old one but ever good) 🥲 Thank You Greetigs from NW-Army-Germany and SabatonFan and "Lover of Music with a Meaning and/or Melody"
I know this song like the back of my hand...I had to study it in school on the guitar and play it at least once every lesson for 3 years, they made me hate it but it is a great song with a deep meaning :)
Omg my ultimate alternative group in the world. You really need to check out "Ode To My Family" (my fav.) Btw another artist would reccomened Sinead o' Corner. She's the legend.
Hi folks nice to see ya again! Fact the day Dolores died she was supposed to sing this song with a group called " Bad Wolves". They released the song and the money made was given to her children. Could you please 🙏 react to their cover of this song? Both are excellent, I will be watching. Have an awesome week peeps!
