The Cranberries “Zombie” released

Zombie The Cranberries

Writer(s): Dolores O'Riordan (see lyrics here) Released: September 19, 1994 First Charted: October 1, 1994 Peak: 22 BA, 25 GR, 20 RR, 32 AR, 16 MR, 14 UK, 19 CN, 18 AU, 10 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): -- US, 1.8 UK, 3.42 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 2227.55 video, 1376.10 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: The Cranberries released their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, in 1993. It sold eight million copies worldwide on the strength of hit songs “Dreams” and “Linger.” A year later, the group was back with their second album, No Need to Argue. It was even more successful, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard album chart and selling 17 million copies worldwide. The album was supported by four singles, the first of which was “Zombie.” It was a #1 hit on the Billboard modern rock chart and reached #3 in the band’s native Ireland. The song was written by Dolores O’Riordan, the lead singer, about the Northern Ireland conflict that lasted from the late 1960s through 1998 during which the paramilitary organization known as the IRA (Irish Republican Army) led an effot to overthrow British rule in Northern Ireland. Author Dave Thompson said, “The struggle that the English press euphemistically called the Irish Troubles was nearing its end when this was released, after a quarter century of violence.” DT In 1993, there were two bombings in Warrington, England. The second killed 56 people, including two children. After O’Riordan visited the town, she decided to write a song about it. She explained, “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.” SW The band’s label, Island, was leary about releasing such a politically-charged single WK but the subject matter “didn’t dent the power of the song.” DT It went to #1 in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and Iceland. WK James Linderman told Songwriting magazine “This is a song that completely exemplifies the tricky balancing act of caring very deeply about people, but at the same time, not caring one bit about what they think of your art and so being able to express yourself honestly.” SW Resources: SW SongwritingMagazine.co.uk (9/19/2019). “How I wrote ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan” by Aaron Slater DT Dave Thompson (2011). 1000 Songs That Rock Your World. Krause Publications: Iola, WI. Page 151. WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 1/18/2025.