Delores is "keening". This is a deep part of the Irish psyche and culture. It is the sound of grief and mourning that seems to bleed from particularly an Irish woman's soul.

This song is about the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland when two young boys aged 3 and 12 were killed in a bombing. That vocal she is doing is called "keening". It's like wailing in grief for a deceased person. Thanks for the reaction.

At times her vocals sound like crying. RIP Dolores 💔

'Zombie' was hated by all sides during the 'troubles', as every side thought it was criticising them. It is criticising everyone involved in the violence at that time, saying they are mindless zombies, irrespective of whether British army, Republican or Loyalist. It is a very powerful song, and very personal to me, as I grew up with those bombs. Thank God we have peace now (kind of). Sleep peacefully now Delores.

She gave the drummer the freedom to play as he wished. The one request she had for him was in the chorus to play pissed off. Look at his face during it, and you will see a pissed off individual.

In the 1916 Rising of the 590 people killed during the Easter Rising, 374 were civilians, 116 were British Soldiers, 77 Insurgents and 23 members of the Police Forces. There were 38 children - aged 16 and under killed. My husband and I were in Ireland for 3 weeks in 2016 and the 100th Anniversary of the Rising was seen everywhere.

"Linger" should DEFINITELY 100% be the next Cranberries song that you react to!!!! And "Dreams" is the 3rd Cranberries song in my (massive) Rock & Roll playlist.

it was written about an IRA car bomb 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".

Try "Linger", "Ode to My Family", "Linger", "Dreams". Zombie is a tough song but understanding the history helps.

Rihanna was a baby when these guys started out. That vocal effect is typical in Irish traditional music.

This song is truly an all time masterpiece, 30 years later it still moves me.

RIP Dolores! 🙏

The song is about people unwilling to change and blindly following bigotry and prejudice like a zombie and living in the past. I think the song is about two young boys that were killed.

This song has been out for ever and I heard it when it first dropped. And yet it still brings me to tears this many years later!

I feel the drums are HIGHLY underrated in this track. The snare work and accents are just perfect. The fill into the chorous that is closing the song as well, gives me chills everytime.

I can never stop the tears watching this video. The song alone is powerful, but with the video too, so emotive 😢

Love this track not only for the song itself but also the video; coming from Northern Ireland this stabs the heart. Not one of us hasn’t been badly affected by the latest conflict here of the last bloody 800 yrs and this video and song recognises the pain and trauma perfectly. Thanks for showcasing Polo. As someone who feels so strongly about ‘our wee country’ as we say here, it means a lot that other peoples are able to engage with the pain, even if only for the length of the track xx

Still cannot make it through this one without crying....Hope you liked it, Polo! RIP, DELORES!! YOU are MISSED!!

Dolores sang the Fleetwood Mac classic "Go Your Own Way" at the " Europe2" radio station in France , accompanied by only an acoustic guitar. The power of her vocals is astounding. Anyone who hasn't seen it should seek it out immediately, a reaction would be even better. Thanks bro, and best wishes from Belfast.

You should see what Bad Wolf did with this song. They were supposed to collaborate with her on a new version and on the day that they were to record she died. Bad Wolf regrouped and recorded it and all the proceeds go to her children.

That sound is called keening and it sounds like wailing and crying. It is used at funerals in Ireland.

The rage and despair in this song is stunning. It still brings tears to my eyes.

So hauntingly beautiful! Her voice is perfection.

Loved Delores' voice, she was a gift. Unfortunately she was lost way too young. RIP Delores!

I’m Irish and you caught our art. We are a tribal people with drums as a call to war. We are people so small in number but when push comes to shove well I guess you get shoved. She’s the Irish Joan of Arc. This is a stand for God and country against oppression.

Love this group. RIP Dolores

Zombie was written after the IRA detonated two bombs in the English town of Warrington on a Saturday afternoon in March 1993. The bombs were hidden in litter bins near a shopping centre and killed two children, three-year-old Jonathan Ball and Tim Parry (12), and injured 54 people

If you haven't already, you should check out the live version of U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday from the Rattle And Hum film. The song was written after a bombing in Northern Ireland and performed in Denver the day of yet another major bombing. The performance is ferocious.

I'm not even Irish but there is nothing more beautiful than an Irish woman's voice

I love this song. This woman can sing. She means every word of it. So sad she is gone to us. I will remember her for the rest of my life!

Thank you for sharing and enjoying this one. The footage within this video is from real time, when it was happening. Her voice is very real & her carrying sound has the term called keening...it is a grieving sound for those who have passed. Dolores was an incredible musician and this song offers that completely. Again, thank you. RIP Dolores.

This hit hard the first time I heard it, but the video had me crying the first time I saw it on MTV.

Listening to your review and watching this remarkable video again brought back memories from over 5 decades ago. I was going to school in England when the "Bloody Sunday Massacre" occurred on January 30th 1972 in Londonderry, Ireland. That spring, there were protest marches in Oxford, England where I was living. I met a young man from Ireland who told me he thought the "troubles" would not be over in his lifetime. I was shocked and asked him why. He said young children played soldiers and fighters, with sticks for guns, and were learning it was life. This video just portrays what he was telling me. It gives me chills and like you say "this still goes on in the world today". Great analysis video Polo.

This is the anthem of Munster (and Ireland) rugby, can you imagine 80000 singing this at the top of their voices? There are lots of references to the war for Irish independence (1916) and lots of imagery from that time and the violence in Northern Ireland at that time. I was privileged to work on the "peace process" and helped stop ppl murdering each other... And yes Peace

The first time I watched this music video, I started crying when the child angels started silently screaming during the build up to that amazing guitar solo. Many children have died. Bad Wolves did a cover in 2018 that was really good, but it simply doesn't hold up to the original. Her voice was absolutely captivating.

I think that the imagery in this video symbolises the matyrdom of young children in the name of a cause which they don't understand, or even know about. In that sense, it is not just about Ireland, but could apply anywhere in the world , eg, Palestine in current times. A very sobering reflection on the Media Age that (most of) the planet is in these days.

Linger is another banger from the cranberries! Zombie is one of my favorite songs! ❤️

It was a deep critique of both sides and of the bystander, and could easily apply to many conflicts happening now. I think the painted kids represent all the martyred kids caught up in the conflict, and others like it.

Cheers Polo. RIP Dolores, Ireland will always love you

Just started watching your videos on Amy Winehouse and seen that this is your most recent video. I happen to be from Northern Ireland but born in Belfast after the Good Friday Agreement, so I was spared from The Troubles, unlike my parents and grandparents. The song is really about the whole conflict and the needless loss it caused on all sides, but there was a particular incident that brought on the song, the Warrington bombings. The IRA planted two bombs in bins that took the life of two boys, aged 3 and 12. The Cranberries made one of the most iconic anti-war songs in protest, it is still so sadly relevant today.

R.I.P. Dolores!!! she was so incredibly talented!!!🎉❤❤

I love this song, not because of the music, but because of the meaning of the song, and how relevant it is to other countries, including my country. RIP Delores

One of the best songs ever written, Delores just had such a depth of emotion to her music. That being said, Dreams is my favorite of theirs, could legit listen to that song on repeat for hours. :)

I love this song and The Cranberries. Rest in peace Dolores, your voice and the importance of this amazing song lives on.

Absolutely one of those songs that you never get sick of, regardless of how many times you have heard it. Such a powerful track.

I do remember being at University when this song came out we listened to a variety of music which I remember fondly. But what is extraordinary about this song, is that I remember my physical reaction to it. It was like being punched in the stomach, it took my breath away, it was so raw, and powerful and heartbreaking. Looking back now I realise that kind of power comes with being able to tap into something very real, like your countrymen having gone through decades of bloody conflict. RIP Dolores

Truly an anthem for the ages!! Love the haunting sound of her voice in this track! It may have been written about the troubles, but continues to be relevant today, and due to the human psyche, it will probably continue to be so for generations...

I first heard The Cranberries in 1992. I was 12. Been a favorite band of mine since. Cried when Delores passed; there's not a voice out there quite like hers was.

I must admit I've never heard this song before but it's powerful haunting melody and the way Delores sings it plus the lyrics definately had an impact on me

Music can move mountains and change minds. This powerful song helped end the IRA bombing campaign. Such an incredible video and anti-war song. We can feel the venom, rage, and anger. Those heavy drums would make John Bonham or Phil Collins proud. (I think the images invoke the innocence and needless sacrifice those kids and their families suffered)

This song was a departure of sorts for Dolores. She had hits in the 1990's like "Dreams and "Linger", that seemed to be in every rom-com movie that came out at that time. That is why her record company offered her one million dollars to stop working on this song, for fears of upsetting the money coming in from her other hits. This song ended up being their biggest hit. Dolores had talked to the mothers of the children that were killed and they seemed like zombies. There was a live version of this song on you tube that was from 1999 that is fire. Their live versions of songs from Woodstock 1994 are also excellent.

The Cranberries "Salvation" 🔥

13.:40 - my take: The effect of War on future generations (yes, children) and the idea that those who have died from it - specifically children, who are innocent - and are already in "Heaven" are STILL being affected by it and it still traumatizes and hurts them even in the afterlife when they see it continuing. The ripple effect of the trauma whether it is physical or mental/spiritual keeps growing so much that it effects everything.

Haven't seen this video since the 90's. The video and the song are always going to have a deep power to them. People will be watching it many years from now and still be like "DAMN." The Irish have an incredible way of holding onto their entire history (even back before the English) so that none of it will ever be forgotten. They weave it into everything, and it's really beautiful.

☮️💙💙💙🔥🔥forever a fan, rest Dolores…

This song hits me every time I hear it. Heard it a million times

I miss her 😢 Linger, Ode to My Family, Dreams

You should listen to Bad Wolves version of this song. Dolores O'Riordan was supposed to sing with them but she died that day. All the proceeds from the song went to her children. The song is about a bombing in Britain that killed a child.

Zombie is my fav since 10th grade! Listening to it this time made me update the wars in my head. I used to play REM Shiny Happy People from 6th grade rite after this

This is still a masterpiece♥️ No fake lips ,no fake t*ts Just a singer and her message No one today can compair this song

One of the greatest bands in music history and Dolores voice is one of the most beautiful forever and ever

i saw them open for the cure in 1989 at dodger stadium. great experience.

I first saw the cranberries at a base club shortly before they exploded upon the music scene. We were stationed at R AF Edzell Scotland. I worked at the club they played at and I remember being mesmerized by their music. But when zombie came out It shook my world. Even now I cannot watch It without sobbing, Especially now with all the tragedies coming out of Palestine And so many other places in the world today. This song is so profound and so relevant to what is going on in the world. Thank you Dolores for trying to bring attention to the horrible situations facing us today.

I have listened to this song over a hundred times, and it never fails to make a profound emotional impact on me. Dolores was just incredible - RIP sweetheart. Really good point Polo that nobody is making music approaching this level, despite the total BS going on around the world. Can you imagine Taylor Swift trying to pull off a song like this - it would be like Kanje West trying to impersonate Freddie Mercury lol

When that song was made, i was a teenager, it blew my young impressive mind at that time, but when i listen to it, like 30 years later, i realize, it's a timeless piece.

I have probably listened to this song over a couple hundred times Delores and her voice never get old i guess its the irish in me that respects her so much RIP DELORES

Hauntingly beautiful 💚

Dreams, Linger, Ode To My Family, When you're gone, Animal Instinct, Dreaming My Dreams, No Need to Argue- all just scratching the surface of how many great songs this band produced.

The part with Dolores painted gold with the children at the cross is a reference to Michaelangelo’s painting of the Virgin Mary holding him in her arms. The grief sculpted on her face was so haunting and prominent. I personally think that it’s meant to embody the pain of the “mothers” who have had their children taken away from the violence during this time.

So saddening that she has now passed away she was so talented

One of the fn best singers of all time. One of the most powerful songs ever written. Rip Delpres 🤘🤘🔥

She wrote the song as a response to and in memory of 2 young victims of a bombing in Northern Ireland. You hadn't even started the song and tears were streaming down my face.. May Delores rest in the Peace of our Lord Jesus 🕊️

She wrote this song with some more heaviness due to two children’s deaths during the Troubles and overall the Troubles were such a turbulent time that seemed to have no ending. You can tell how tired she is from this mess and it is conveyed with such emotion in this song. This song has meant so much to me both as a reminder that violence has no winners, for my own personal conflicts and because it’s just a damn fine song. RIP Dolores. We will never have another Dolores or Cranberries. ❤

Yellow skies, the rebels, daffodil lament, are all bangers

This hits hard 😪 💜

I’d try 1. Linger 2. Dreams 3. Ode to my family I mean… not ever disappointed from a the cranberries…

One in a million.. never see the like of her again ❤

You nailed this review. I enjoy Bad Wolfe's cover- it's a wonderful tribute to Deloris.

Linger!

New appreciation of this song! The sadness, anger and angst! The zombies are the dead who will never walk alive again! Thanks for this airing! Wow!!!!!!😢

LOVE everything by the Cranberries. This song is so good!

Love this band, I have worn out a few cd's!! There will never be another voice like hers.

Such a meaningful song. I look at the gold signifying that these are God's children who are suffering. Thank you for reviewing this song!

*Thank you* for relating this song to what is happening right now. So relevant

"dreams" , "linger" , and "ode to my family" will probably be the consensus three. thanks for the reaction to zombie. one of the greatest songs ever written, in my opinion.

Four years after this song came out we had the Good Friday Agreement and peace began. I would love to think that Dolores and the Cranberries had a small part in moving everybody in that direction. Rest in peace, love.

I loved the cranberries back in the day. They were fixing to go on tour in 2018/19 when Deloras died.

This song is just so powerful and nothing like their other songs. Her voice is AMAZING! I’m so sad she basically killed herself, but I’ve had relatives do the same because of wars and what they’ve seen and been through! They can never go back to their mind like it was before and it’s just too painful to live with that in your mind everyday! Delores we all love you!❤

One of the better vocal performances of all time.

Zombie was written after the IRA detonated two bombs in the English town of Warrington on a Saturday afternoon in March 1993. The bombs were hidden in litter bins near a shopping centre and killed two children, three-year-old Jonathan Ball and Tim Parry (12), and injured 54 people.There is a l8ng history of British occupation of Ireland and Ireland was split in two with the south becoming independent of British rule.

Beautiful band and vocals...But the tragedy of this young lady breaks my heart. Kudos to the band that contributed all the money to her surviving children. God bless them.❤

Sinead O Conner " Nothing compares to you " another hauntingly beautiful Irish voice

this is SUCH powerful song. Her lyrics and messages is "Prophetic. It cuts to the heart with power and truth and forces us to see the reality and the atrocity, while also seeing the part one plays or has played in it - whether active or passive. And, still, at the same time, reminding us that this is NOT what we're made for. War is NOT our crowning achievement. Children should be able to play with friends in an age of innocence not be blown to smithereens or forced to choose "their life or mine!" And thus, in that quiver of her voice, through the pain and disbelief, somehow, there is still hope for something better. ❤ That's what prophets do best, and some of our best are found in all kinds of music!

I had the album no need to argue on tape in my walkman hiking through the Scottish highlands somewhen in the nineties! Made me cry, laugh, feel, think and wonder!

Thank you Polo for doing research about the song, lyrics etc, before you reacted to the song/ video. I think it’s really important to do some research before reacting to any song, A lot of reactors do not do that, then they are making fun of the video etc because they don’t see the “ whole picture”. That’s just 1 of the reasons that you are 1 of my favorites. I only have 2 favorite reactors. The other reactor I’ve been watching for years since he started. I found your channel more recently. Im glad I did 😊💕🔔🇺🇸

I had the great pleasure of seeing The Cranberries in concert many moons ago. Dolores' voice.. her keening.. was spot on live. I was in awe and will be ever grateful I got to experience it. RIP

"Ode to my Family " is another Haunting cranberry song

The lyrical content of "Zombie" is still extremely relevant, even after 30 years (!!!). I remember this song playing on the radio all the time back in 1994 even though I was just 8. I was bullied pretty severely at that time and this is one of those songs that somehow spoke to me, even at such a young age and whenever I listen to it, I'm immediately taken back in time and remember exactly how I felt. Music really has that power, it's the closest thing to a time machine.

Her style of singing was influenced by her choir lessons growing up in a traditional Irish church from my understanding, but ultimately her style is her own. She is an angel

Sinead OConner, or other strong female vocalists like Massive Attack, Portishead, PJ Harvey, Bjork, Sarah McLaughlan, Ani DiFranco, they were are around the same time