Let's remember their names: Three-year-old Johnathan Ball was killed when two bombs hidden in litter bins detonated on a busy shopping street in March 1993. Tim Parry, aged 12, died five days later. There were many other victims, but this is the incident that inspired the song.
Let's remember the names of all the children killed or twisted by the wars and conflicts worldwide since this song. This comment was meant in love with all the strength of this song and video.
@@brianboye8025 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
I am not Irish and still I am secondhand-embarrassed when a reacting youtuber has, seriously, no clue at all and keeps wasting my time with wondering aloud where "this place might be" without really caring.
"With their tanks and their bombs and their bombs and their guns..." "Bombs" is said twice because there were two bombs in Warrington and both maged to kill a child (RIP Jonathan Ball and Tim Parry)
My uncle was a plastic/reconstructive surgeon in Chester at the time. He was called in and had a police escort to speed to the hospital. He told me he was in the OR for 10 hours straight, operating on one patient after another. So tragic. RIP.
Tanks because Ireland was occupied for 800 years with millitary force. Shot innocents covered it up and refuse to make them face justice. Starved during the famine, millions died. Sent ptsd riddled ww1 soldiers to savage our population use irish children as human shields(pictures). The video is British soldiers shooting children because it happened.
Between 1969-2003 there were over 16,000 bombings. In Belfast, on 21 July 1972, 19 IRA bombs were detonated in little over an hour. Most attacks were orchestrated by the IRA, but loyalist paramilitaries from the UVF, UFF and UVF also carried out bombing campaigns. Terrorism was orchestrated by both sides and it was mostly innocent civilians that paid the price. I was born in 1993 and whilst I wasn’t around during the worst days of the Troubles, I’ve still heard the sound of bombs and gunfire. Thankfully the violence has subsided and hostilities are mostly in the past. Northern Ireland is a safe place to live in and visit. Although sadly there are still some that cling to the past. To give you an example, in 2019 a 29 year old reporter, Lyra McKee was murdered in crossfire when a New IRA gunman started shooting towards the police. She dedicated her life to speaking out about the Troubles and LGBT rights, she was researching unsolved killings during the conflict at the time she died and never finished her second book. Lyra had only just bought an engagement ring and was about to propose to her partner.
As an Irishman .. I loved your thoughtful & insightful reaction .. Most in-depth I’ve watched on this iconic song .. You’re a deep empathetic young man .. keep up the great work .. Love & blessings to you & yours from across the pond 🌊.. Thankfully we’ve had a relative peace in the North over the last 20 years ..
They actually filmed in Belfast in the heartland of the Troubles, getting permission from the British army by saying they were making a documentary about the peace-keeping efforts, so those shots of the soldiers, graffiti etc are real. The b/w of the band playing was filmed in Dublin. The vocal technique she uses is keening - a classic Irish (and Scottish) vocal lament. The song and video are haunting and when it was released it was profoundly shocking - am An Old and remember it well.
Why is it that some clown always brings up keening when it comes to her singing? She was from Limerick and her singing style is derived from traditional Irish singing styles, of which keening is not one.
I’m from northern Ireland and this song released when I was a young teen. Dolores is using an Irish wailing sound called keening, made at wakes or at gravesides. It draws out more emotion in this song with the subject matter. Still hard to listen to this song without the tears!
"it's not me it's not my family" when you grew up in this time it means alot because you hear a big bang at night that's what you thought as another persons family was taken.
Oh shit yeah that's true. I always interpretted as the apathy we develop to wars that are going on overseas that tends to be hard to shift unless it affect you and yours personally.
He’s got WAY more understanding of practically every other non-Irish/British reactor I’ve seen. I’m a 49 year old American (Arkansas), certainly old enough to remember what it was like still in the 80s and 90s, and honestly I sometimes get frustrated with feeling like so many people are living under a rock concerning major global events. So many reactors have never even heard of The Troubles.
It still cuts me up every time. As a Scot with Irish heritage and growing up watching the troubles regularly on the news, it takes me back to my childhood. I remember going shopping in Glasgow and having to regularly leave stores with my mum aged 10 cause of bomb scares. It was much worse in Ireland as they had to check under their cars for detonators every time before driving off. Dolores' voice giving way to 'keening' the Irish funeral lament is so haunting. There is also a Scottish Gaelic version of this too, but I only know a few words of Gaelic being on the West coast.
Can't help but shed a few tears when I hear this song. Wild how it evokes such deep emotion. Masterpiece is a perfect word to describe this piece of art.
Excellent analysis and reaction- thanks! Yes, Delores sings with her limerick accent in all of her songs but in this song she is using a vocal technique referred to as "Keening" common in Irish folk songs and used at Irish funerals to emphasize heartbreak and grief. Please react to the 'Bad Wolves' cover of this song while this one is still fresh in your mind. Delores was scheduled to reprise her vocals and record that cover with them but passed away suddenly the day it was to be recorded. It is a stunning tribute to Delores and the proceeds of that song go to her children.
Seen him react to UK hip hop where he goes into detail about the meaning of the lyrics. His European knowledge is better than many locals, One of the reasons he's my favourite reactor.
The fact she mentioned bombs twice, is accurate, not just a lyrical repeat. Both sides had bombs. She was pointing fingers at two entities, with "their bombs" and "their bombs".
If you like this check out the bad wolves cover of zombie. She was supposed to do vocals for the track but died before the plane got there. They donated all proceeds to her family after she passed.
An artifact of the Easter Sunday, 1916 rising. The sound of British artillery, and of the firing squads thereafter kept ringing in the ears of all involved. Generations of zombies on both sides infected their children with their hate for one another, and some even refused to take 'yes' for an answer once the peace was negotiated in the 1990's. Small wonder O'Riordan (RIP) got so angry.
I've said this on numerous reactions to this song but this was my childhood, literally. I grew up on the Ardoyne Road in North Belfast in the 80s. Everything from the soldiers patrolling the streets to us kids playing around in derelict houses, including climbing up onto roofs and jumping around (as well as other roofs like the ones on the Wheatfield or Holy Cross girls primary schools). The murals shown in this video were ones that we passed regularly. I still remember the principle of R.B.A.I. (my secondary school that I was going to at the time) telling us the story of the Warrington Bomb as he had been in England that weekend and when travelling close to the area whilst driving up to get the ferry back to Belfast. He was extremely posh so for us a kids to hear him cursing in the assembly was a shock to all the pupils and showed just how much it had affected him.
I was a late teen in London at the height of the troubles and was involved so many times in horrific violence on the mainland. It breaks my heart to think of all the suffering on both sides off the Irish Sea and I am eternally grateful to those women of Ireland on both sides of the conflict who said enough is enough and created the right conditions for the fabulous Mo Mowland to broker the peace process. All the time whilst she had a brain tumour and was mocked for balding. I won’t ever forgive those Americans who funding the “troubles “ because they never understood and absolutely nothing was achieved. Some sort of misguided misunderstanding of a romanticised history that made Irish freedom fighter out to be hero’s.. No they were terrorists as all terrorist are they were evil.
No way this is your first time hearing this!! What??!! One of my favorite songs of all time! Please react to more cranberries! "Linger" is a great next Cranberries.
Holy shit dude. I"m 50 years old, I remember when this song came out, huge Cranberries fan, and I've never heard some one critique this song better than you. I've heard this song 100's of times, but never once understood it's meaning better than you. Especially the title Zombie. That breakdown was epic. Awesome insight. Keep going bro.
Dolores always sang with her Irish accent and also used traditional Irish singing styles like keening. You should react to Ode to my Family, Linger, Dreams, When You’re Gone. All beautiful songs.
It also surprises me how smart you really are with like facts and histroy and events. Like you were just pulling this off the top of your head. Something I could never fathom. But again another good break down. They show the kid with the gun and then the soldier as well. And it makes me wonder if that kid was the soldier after he grew up. It just comes across as a possible thing. But love the song and your break down!
When Bad Wolves covered this in 2018 they put that date in place of 1916 and they changed one of the the “bombs” to “drones” it’s sooo powerful as is this one RIP, she was supposed to be ft on the cover but she passed before they got into the studio to record her vocals
RIP Deloros O’Riordan. That sound she’s making is called keening. It’s the traditional sound of lament for the dead. She was so talented. I think she was around 19 at this time.
Remembering this music video released and aired on TV makes me feel so old and I am only 37... This song is inspired by real events, you should definitely read the backstory, it's very sad.
As an Irishman from Dublin, this song is extremely important. I respect your knowledge and understanding of history 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇺🇲🇺🇲 love your content! Go Raibh Mile Maith Agát!
Zombie" is a protest song by Irish alternative rock band the Cranberries, written by the band's lead singer, Dolores O'Riordan, in response to and in memory of two young victims of a bombing in Warrington, England, that occurred during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
It also adds another layer to the equation when you consider that the footage for this is real. It was filmed in Belfast. Also, the image of the cross evokes sacrifice. So, if follow that line of thought and note the children around and then on the cross,the question is posed. Are we really willing to continue to sacrifice our children? How horrific is it that the answer to that question is all too often “yes”.
Delores had the voice of an Angel, RIP i saw Bad Wolves with Five finger death punch and when bad Wolves performed their cover they said "Sing it! sing it loud enough so Delores hears us!" gave me chills
I LOVE IT when Knox gets historical. This song is incredible, the story behind is powerful, and this band is amazing. HIGHLY RECOMMEND you dig into the Cranberries more, Knox. Dolores is a truly generational voice. There was no one like her, and she is much missed.
Have loved this song since the day it came out, and will never get tired of it. I loved a lot of the songs the band came out with. The Bad Wolves version is also a beautiful rendition., and contribution to The Cranberries and the lead singer, Dolores Mary Eileen O'Riordan, after her accidental drowning, due to alcohol intoxication in January 2018. May she rest in peace, and her legacy go on.
The Irish Rugby Union team is one of the very few teams that is drawn for all across Ireland, North and South. This song is sung by the crowd at all their home matches,
Once again Knox you did an amazing job and your knowledge base is so wide and I appreciate you and your attention to the facts so much. Thank you so much. Also you never messaged me back about my rapping questions. No rush or pressure as I k ow you are a busy man. Much love.
Knox, I want to say thank you for your intelligent, insightful, and knowledgeable analysis of songs. You seem to be one of the few “reactors” that gets not only the meaning of the lyrics, but the emotion behind the music. I love your reactions to soad the most. Keep doing what you’re doing. One love!
I saw a comment on another reaction video, regarding the line "it's not me, it's not my family" that had another interpretation...both sides of any conflict, including The Troubles, generally claim to be committing their acts of violence in the name of the people they claim to be fighting for. The lyric could be interpreted as: You don't speak for me or my family, we don't condone your violence.
I remember being a small kid and singing this song every time it was played on the radio, and I always loved it even if I didn't know English nor understand the lyrics. When I was a teen and understood the meaning and story behind I loved it even more, but as a kid I loved Dolores' voice and the music. A beautiful yet sad song. Loved seeing you react to this one!
This really is a song that will go down in history. Not only is it about what was going on in Ireland at that time but is so relevant now too. Unfortunately I think it will always be relevant. Also there is a Ren song im not sure many people have heard with a girl called Bibi. Its called "Crutch". Holy moly not only is the song great, just like everything Ren does, but the video is absolutely beautiful too.
I went to Ireland and Northern Ireland in 2019. While in Belfast, I did a Black Cab tour where the driver takes you around the city explaining all about The Troubles and the significant areas and what happened there. I know when I was younger, there wasn't much news about The Troubles where I was, so to hear the history of it was devastating. The driver I had, at the end of the tour he takes you to sign the Peace Wall. It's definitely an experience I would recommend
For metal Mondays. Bad wolves covers this song, and she was suppose to have been on it but sadly passed away before she could record. It's a amazing cover and worth a listen..
Knox, I really appreciate your videos because I feel many people neglect lyrics. Some of these people would be considered brilliant on paper alone. It's just great to see someone appreciate it
FINALLY someone who knows exactly what this song is about! Love this band so much and seen a lot of reactions to Zombie and half the people don't do a minute's research and are guessing about what conflict it is. Bangers!
This song hits hard every single time. Great interpretation. I believe the violence causing silence line also indicates the silence of trauma and shell-shock from seeing and experiencing such brutality.
Mr. Knox Hill.... you my friend are insane. How you can listen to a song and see a music video and break it down like you do, is unreal! By far the best reactor out there! It's not particularly close either.
First time viewer of the channel and this dude KNOWS his Irish history, Loved hearing your perspective of the video, pretty spot on in regards to what the video is about and in relate to.
You now need to see the Badwolves cover, which was meant to feature Delores but she passed away the day before she was sceduled to sing her part in the song. It's since become a tribute, and the video is heartbreaking.
I really don't know what I was expecting here. I watch a lot of reaction videos. But this is the first time I've been blown away by the knowledge of the reactor. You are so impressive. Your critiques are on point. Loved this reaction. Great Job. 👍🏼 Imma watch some and subscribe. Amazing ❤❤
Amazing breakdown!! You absolutely nailed it!! I have loved this song for decades and I’m astounded by your comprehension of the subject matter!! Much respect!!
Let's remember their names. James Connolly was murdered by the British, tied to a chair because he couldn't walk after fighting for Irish independence in 1916.
I absolutely love that you went into this reaction knowing about the troubles add to that the insightful interpretation of the lyrics and video this was one of the best reactions to this song I’ve seen❤.
This was the finest reaction i have seen to this song in the context of understanding and knowledge. I can see why you have so many subs mate, you have another from me. Excellent!
This song came out when I was in middle school and is one of the first songs to really open my mind to the world and the evils in it. It’s always kept a special place in my mind.
I grew up listening to The Cranberries, some of the only good memories I have with my parents was jamming to this album. It’s beautiful. Love that you are always willing to react to completely different genres ❤❤❤
