This is one of the most powerful anti-war songs ever written, in my opinion. The instruments sound like tanks and the vocals sound like pure distress.

@DonnachaDeLong

6 ай бұрын

It's not just an anti-war song, it's about people idolising the Provisional IRA. It was common in the Republic for young people in 1994 (when the song came out) to "support" the Provos despite being nowhere near the conflict. I can't remember if it came out before or during the IRA ceasefire in '94. It's now become part of the culture war in Ireland - set against the Wolfe Tones' increased popularity.

@Arjun005

3 ай бұрын

This song packs a punch . It hits hard and gives a powerful message . Dolores captured the emotions perfectly here .

Zombie is considered a protest song against the Northern Ireland conflict. Dolores O'Riordan RIP ( leadsinger) wrote the lyrics to the song during the band's 1993 tour of England in memory of two children (Jonathan Ball and Tim Parry) who were killed in an IRA bombing in Warrington on March 20, 1993. 🥺

@DrSkeff

6 ай бұрын

Well said and thank you for honouring these two lads with the use of their names. RIP.

@caseyphudson

6 ай бұрын

Not that England never shot children in their heads. The English killed more than anyone. More than anyone.

@Jude_196

6 ай бұрын

Agree with DrSkeff! Thank You, albertphilippi4371! Just heartbreaking. I cannot make it through this song, after all these years, without crying. Such a touching and raw song. Oh: the violence...just so very sad.

@furrygamer6075

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for this. I knew it then and it's good to be reminded of it now. History are humanity's version of life lessons and we'd do well to remember them.

@suekuarell4685

3 ай бұрын

fits the system of a down content, since the whole band history is related to war and loss and a lot of songs reflect this (also certain sounds they use)

"Keening" is an irish vocal technique generally used at funerals to honor/mourn the deceased.

@TheChromescorpion

6 ай бұрын

It's also a Scottish ritual, sadly it's all but forgotten now during funerals, now found (if at all) while Waking the Dead.

@happymethehappyone8300

6 ай бұрын

@@TheChromescorpion True,, But in Scotland know as "Coronach".

@TheChromescorpion

6 ай бұрын

@@happymethehappyone8300 yep you're right, and in Irish Gaelic it's Caointeoireacht.

@happymethehappyone8300

6 ай бұрын

@@TheChromescorpion True as well 👍

@920WASHBURN

6 ай бұрын

Actually I invented it. I went to Ireland one summer during the troubles. I was appalled and started singing. But I'm not good and my voice kept cracking, but they thought it was a new American style and just ran with it. And here we are

R.I.P. Dolores O'Riordan - its always sad when such great artists leave us.

@Arjun005

3 ай бұрын

I know this song is a 10/10, but knowing how good this song is , I wish it was 20/10 and that more people heard it , while Dolores was still with us . This song is that damn good .

It’s called “keening” and is used mostly at funerals and in songs remembering the dead. It sounds like an emotional break as you’d hear when someone is crying. It’s a mournful singing style, beautiful and tragic.

One of many things I love about this song is that she sings with an Irish accent. Usually ones accent is largely lost when singing. I adore that aspect.

Her voice is my adolescence. Her passing broke me, I dont know how to express it.

One of the greatest songs of all time, hands down. When a song is so powerful it can move and motivate people it truly personifies the potential of music as a whole. RIP Dolores 🙏

@corbelius6

6 ай бұрын

We Miss your voice Delores. Rest in Power

@Arjun005

3 ай бұрын

The relevance of this song will be forever with us . Wars will always happen , humans will always be fighting . Probably 100 years from now , we will still be talking about this song . Dolores is one of a kind legend.

Beautiful reaction.😊 Rest in sweet heavenly peace 12 y/o Timothy Parry and 3y/o Jonathan Ball. Delores made sure your lives mattered. God bless us all. ❤

@Lspacehopper

5 ай бұрын

Lovely comment x

I don't think people give Fergal Lawler enough credit for how dramatic the song is. His drumming sets the tone for the deepness of the song's meaning. IMO.

@kellismith4329

4 ай бұрын

Indeed, my favorite drummer of all time

@pcpc0991

2 ай бұрын

I Agree !

I was never a huge Cranberries fan but I do like their music, however, this song and Delores's voice and keening with the content of what this song is about always hits me hard. The power in Delores' vocals and not having her here anymore makes it even more emotional. She was a special and unique talent that is missed.

This is such an amazing song and it still hits as hard today as it did when it came out. This song has become the victory song for the Ireland Rugby team, made up of players from both the Republic and Northern Ireland. It’s such a beautiful and emotional experience to hear a stadium full of Ireland fans singing this song as it plays over the P.A.

Rest in peace Dolores O' Riordan, forever missed. 🙏✝️

She has one of the most haunting voices ever. I was a wee lad when this came out, so I was likely not paying attention to such details, but Delores is such a complex and tortured woman, as many incredible artists with something to say are. Maybe that's just hindsight being 20/20 as it often is. Their song "Ode to My Family" is one where it stands out to me. She seems to long for being a simpler person that was more content. It's sad that we don't recognize these things until it's too late.

@heatheral-hammadi3046

6 ай бұрын

Like Layne Staley.

What I like about this song is its simplicity which adds to the grave atmosphere. The whole song is pretty much made of four chords and seems to be so on purpose so the music is just a background to the lyrics and isn't distracting. A listener can focus on words, not instruments. It is very clear what is of primary importance here. This is a very smartly written piece of music, a little masterpiece.

Beautiful woman, voice and soul ....RIP Delores

Bad Wolves did an amazing tribute to Dolores on there own version they were suppose to do with her the day she died. it a very very fitting tribute to her.

My son named this "The sad song" when he was about 3. He had no real comprehension of the meaning of any of the lyrics, but the raw emotion of Dolores would transcend all boundaries. You cannot help but be moved by it.

The live version of this is pure gold, the Tiny Desk set is also must watch if you love her voice and the band.

One of the most recognizable voices in rock in the 1990s, she was known for her lilting mezzo-soprano voice, signature yodel, emphasized use of keening, and strong Limerick accent. - wiki

Ms. O'Riordan's "quiet head voice" is incredibly intimate and it draws you in as you are attempting to hear better what she is saying.

Dolores flips her voice gives the sense of pleading and crying , very difficult to do , Moreover, she curves the last part of her notes towards the higher end for a brief period and does this perfectly every single time , giving a sense of aura and mystique to the song. Really impressive .

I love your reactions, dear Vocalyst.!! The Cranberries was a powerful band... We, in Chile, live a social and political reality very similar to that of Ireland... and it is terrible. That's why we understand and respect The Cranberries and their staging. Dolores O'Riordan's voice is wonderful (not only on this song but in general...) Greetings from Chile.

Some songs can create chills and tears no matter how many times you hear them. I believe it is the music perfectly representing the mood of the narrative. I'm not sure but this IS one of those songs !

She is using a yodeling technique called Sean-nós singing; Irish for "old style". Sinéad O'Connor used this technique as well.

Her expressions complements her frustrations and anger , and it is expressed beautifully in her voice leading to delivering a powerful message that will stay relevant for years to come - as long as there is war and fighting .

My favourite Cranberries song, with Dreams and Ode being my favourite Dolores songs. By Gods she's missed. R.I.P. beautiful Irish angel Dolores ❤ another great reaction to an iconic production.

@LupusSanguis

6 ай бұрын

Sure Bethany. What would you like to discuss?

One of the greatest songs by one of my all time favorite singers. Well done recognizing all of her vocal talents. Dolores will be missed.

Love to see a vocal coach willing to talk about more than just vocals! Been loving your videos! RIP Dolores

Hi, I think you need to listen to Portishead for their live performance at Roseland NYC 1997. In my personal opinion, her vocal was outstanding and always had a goosebumps evrytime I saw their live version. Anyway, most of your reaction videos was great and feels so genuine. Cheers from ID

@marikal.5792

6 ай бұрын

Absolutely! One of greatest albums ever!

The guitar lick mimicking an ambulance going by really hits. That sound is haunting

Clearly an iconic song., Still today and will always be in that contact song to me. She's the best. And you are the goat. You are truly a inspiration to people who want to learn and adapt to different cultures and societies. Musically speaking, that is. Thanks for all your help. You're a big influence to a lot of people.❤

It's THAT memory. This song. The reason you drink.

I humbly request, a reaction to LP's "Lost on You" Live performance. It is one to keep in the books. (PS. she wrote songs for Celine Dion, Cher, Rihanna, Christina Agulera and more) You will 100000% enjoy the journey she takes you on.

First female rock singer to have 1B views on KZread. That's the power of this song and to the great artist she was. RIP Dolores O'Riordan Also, if it helps, this song helped end the war. She was a popular pop/folk/traditional singer and when she came out with this Alternative rock song, sounding so bitter, people were shocked and it became an anti-war anthem.

@AinsleyGovan

6 ай бұрын

I don’t know were you heard that this song helped end the war, but that may be the biggest load of crap I’ve heard in my entire life … source: I’m Northern Irish

@PavlozKapeliz

6 ай бұрын

RIP Dolores O'Riordan 😥

@Danysh01

6 ай бұрын

It's because the meaning of the song itself and the video as well the most important thing I mean yeah first female singer reach out that view is great but the message behind it it's everything to me and back in the day it was too.

"Who are we mistaken?" Is emphasized in a way that I perceive as a raging scream that's being conveyed through a soft somber voice.

Your reaction at 9:00 is so pure with enthusiasm, it's why I love watching these vids!

This song was adopted by the supporters of the Munster rugby team (based in Delores’ home city of Limerick) in recent years and by the Irish national rugby team at this year’s World Cup. The KZread footage of 60,000 Irish fans belting it out after their victory over South Africa is something else.

@jameswiglesworth5004

6 ай бұрын

Do you not think given the content of the song, that the lyrics are inappropriate for a sporting event ?

@frankquinn6872

6 ай бұрын

Interesting question - and one that seems to be asked a lot in relation to rugby ( "Delilah" is no longer been played at Wales matches due to references to domestic violence, the appropriateness of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" being sung at Twickenham has been questioned due to it's links to slavery. The French, on the other hand, have no problems with "The Marseillaise" and it's references to "let's water the fields with impure blood".) What is considered appropriate changes all the time - the real question is who get's to decide what is inside the Overton Window and what isn't? @@jameswiglesworth5004

My grandparents immigrated to the US from Ireland and I grew up hearing stories about the conflicts and Everytime I hear this song I remember the stories my grandfather told me. 😢 Rest in Peace Dolores ❤

For all the reasons mentioned below, this was an important song. Today it is also a beautiful tribute. As always, thanks for doing this reaction .

Dolores' voice was a slice of heaven. As gentle as a breeze sometimes, but also it could be as powerful as a tsunami. Could listen to the Cranberries all day.

There are many centuries of pain and oppression in her voice...she is sick of innocent suffering!!! Sick of people not getting the bigger picture! That is what I get from this great lament!

The vocals you love is a style of Irish /Scottish "keening" associated with death of a loved one. Parts of her vocals are crying without tears. Knowing the history between the British and Irish fighting takes this song to a new level of meaning. It truly is a Master piece! Like so many songs it was water downed by radio overplay and if you sense pain in her voice, it is real. The video, unlike so many others actually paired with the meaning behind the song perfectly. Thank you.

RIP Dolores. Message received. 😢

Such a powerful riff to start this amazing song. The simplicity of the opening chord progression reminds me of Phil Collins 'In The Air Tonight'. It has that same entrancing embrace with the repetition giving us the power. Her voice is so plaintive and combined with that Irish twang turns the in-your-face power into an anguished cry. So perfectly done. Combined with the band and the images, her voice creates an anger that is palpable and so tragic.

I hope you do more Cranberries! Pls do "Dreams" next

I'm from Limerick myself where the Cranberries came from. I remember many years ago there was a summer gig on in the Peoples Park in Limerick at the time. Many bands played that day I remember an unknown band were playing early called the Cranberries or couldv've been the Cranberry saw.... It would have been around 1990 I think, early 90s. It was a beautiful Summers day the park was packed. Nobody took much notice of them, how that changed so much soon after... Great analysis... RIP Dolores....

I don't know why, but those little yodel flips get to me emotionally every single time. Every. Single. Time. They're like little cries for help, which just add to the emotion of the very powerful and emotional message being delivered. What an insane talent she was.

@jasonmitchell6773

6 ай бұрын

Interestingly, it's called Keening. It's a specific technique used to mourn the dead, which fits perfectly to this particular song. So your reaction is spot on.

@bamachine

6 ай бұрын

It always sounded to me like a wounded child's cry for help. That fits the theme, IMO.

@irishcoffeetruecrime

6 ай бұрын

​@jasonmitchell6773 It's called Sean-Nós and not keening. Look it up. 😉

Haunting and beautiful voice she had. Kind of reminds me of Sinead O'Connor in songs like Just like U said U whould be, i think is the same irish vocal technique

I've been listening to this song since it first came out, and somehow I've never seen the video until today. Wow. Thanks for the voice analysis, too, and for letting the song play out to the end! So powerful.

When a song gets stuck in your head. In your heeaadd, in you're heeaadd.

@JamesFoster-ku9un

3 ай бұрын

YES!!!!

I remember when this video first came out.A truly talented artist and amazing voice,thank you for another good video!

This was a really nice and respectful explaination of a cultural technique that I've seen so many struggle to articulate. Really great analysis of vocals, music, and song overall ❤️ Much love from Australia

"It's the same old theme/Since nineteen-sixteen." I wish you were alive, Dolores.😢

Why do her emotions always give me goosebumps....

Great reaction. Thanks for the knowledge. You are a joy to watch. So much knowledge to give.

All time classic song. Its been a few years since I have heard it. Thanks for reviewing it, Bethany.

She was a Queen live as well, I'm a fortunate one that got to hear them live once, insane energy even when back then it wasn't my cup of tea

Such a phenomenal song. Thanks for making a video covering it, even if it isn't a first time reaction for you.

Such an amazing and unique voice! Gone way too soon 😢

Such a powerful song, after so many years it is still so sobering. Yes, boys like guns and tanks and it's cool and gives you the feeling of power, and in the end the results are agony and rage and so much wasted lives and dreams. We, as humans, have so much potential, we carry such light that the most cruel thing would be to not allow a person to fulfil their potential and create and shine, and instead turn that person into a beast, chasing revenge, and reduce the divine into a mass of meat.

you should do a review on her singing Promises, Live in Paris 1999...she is so so awesome! RIP Delores O'Riordan

@kellismith4329

4 ай бұрын

I have that DVD and havewatched it numerous times sucha great performance. Awesome remake of go your own way

I miss Dolores so much. Such a unique voice and beautiful soul. Burned so many late night study sessions to the Cranberries albums.

Zombie is a truly emotional song for most Irish people. There is lots of angst in her voice that is real and not imagined. Then there is also some softer vocal notes when she sings of mothers losing their sons and daughters. A very tragic war .

One of the songs that will forever make me tear up any time I hear it.

Stop of tone,is also a writer's tool, getting that writen in syllabalistic count,built in on the beat.As a writer it gives new meaning to hanging on every word.Thanks Bethany!

What can be said about this, except that it is one of the best songs and best performances ever. Dolores was such an important artist

There is a fantastic cover of this song by Bad Wolves that you should definitely check out. Delores was actually supposed to sing vocals on their cover but passed away before she could, they did the cover without her in her memory.

I bought this album when it came out. Pretty sure my freshman year. Still gives goosebumps when I hear this song. Funny how some songs can do that.

One of the greatest voices ever! I love Dolores's singing style and yodeling technique in Zombie especially. Her technique is unmatched, RIP, Dolores, you are truly missed. Thank you for reacting to this song. You did a great job.

Dolores RIP i love her so much and i was blessed to watch her live. Thank you for this video

Great reaction as always keep up the awesome work 👍

Iconic song, iconic singer. Bethany, you characterized Dolores as "distinct" and her extraordinary voice as "breathtaking". I wholly concur, the Irish breathiness in concert with her entirely trademarked abrupt "switches" between her vocal qualities, the breaths, an angelic air in her cadences and pronunciations. I have heard this wonderful song and observed its provocative video so many times over the years, but they still "get me". Such emotion and power in the instrumentation as well. A top song of the 90's for me. Love it.

Thank god we've (mostly) moved away from those times in N. Ireland. RIP Dolores I love your channel! Especially your Pantera reaction. Try Domination from the show in Moscow. Immense.

It is her Irish accent that you can hear, RIP Dolores ❤

Just a phenomenal song. Never gets old.

Oi, Bethany! Sempre bom te ver e te ouvir, especialmente quando algumas músicas e suas impressões e expressões emocionais se conectam comigo e me fazem refletir! Sou muito grata pelos seus videos!

The song was written in response to a bombing in the UK by the IRA in which one young child died and another died some time latter. hence the line "a child is slowly taken" this song was in part helpful in galvanizing public opinion on both sides of the conflict to end the violence. a masterpiece from the cranberries.

Tears every time when I hear this song and see the video.

In all sincerity, your channel is truly amazing.

Thank you for reaction.😊🥰

My favorite Cranberries song is actually Dreams, with Zombies a close 2nd. In fact, I'm not really one for having a single favorite anything, but Dreams is my favorite song. For me, it's the closest thing to a perfect song I've ever heard. Dolores had such an amazing voice. It's sad that she left us at such a young age. RIP Dolores.

I don't know how I found you but I'm glad the algorithm did. You have an ear and a way to explain the feelings associated w listening to music and metal. I appreciate how you make me think about music I love in a deeper level.. Iron Maiden should be on your agenda if u already haven't

That initial wall of noise shows the severity of the situation.

Hiiiii, a hug from Brazil! Love your videos! ♥

One of the few songs that can make me cry.

Hello girl in the gray room. Congratulations, you gave a nice presentation again. I love its nuances. The song of my youth. Zombie took me away.

They said that they wanted the listener to FEEL this song!

I also love the flip - eh oh and du (10:38). And her solo guitar sounds cute (10:56) there’s some thing special about that.

My Mom was from Kilkelly and she had that voice when she would get after us. It would change from Irish to English to pirate to that yodel. :)

I was wondering what that sound was, that sounded like an echo to me. Then when you called it a yodel, that was the word I was looking for. You don’t miss much, Vocalyst. 😁 I liked this group the first time listening to them. Zombie is classic song; I enjoy Linger as well. She seemed kind, compassionate and a voice, the like of which I’ve never heard before. Thank you Vocalyst!

@irishcoffeetruecrime

6 ай бұрын

It's not yodelling it's called Sean-Nós 🙄

You should check out their NPR Tiny Desk Concert if you want to hear her in a more intimate setting, it's great. And speaking of unique singers, how about Joanna Newsom? She's amazing. I bet you would love the album version of Monkey And Bear.

Doesn’t seem like you realize it, but Delores died 6 years ago today - so it worked out to be great timing to do your reaction/ analysis. As a tribute, I mean. Either way, love your analysis, as per usual. (On a different subject: I didn’t check the comments on your Alice in Chains video, but I really hope you do “Love Hate Love”, live from The Moore - 1991, I think. I believe you’ll be blown away by Layne’s vocals in his prime.)

I was twice at Cranberries' concert when they were in Moscow!

the haunting quality in her voice combined with her beautiful timbre is almost unbearably good RIP Dolores

@tr33hous3

5 ай бұрын

@thevocalyst when I hear Dolores I immediately think of Skunk Anansie as well, Skin is a unique artist too, Political, Twisted or milk is my sugar are gems

I immediately think of "Heart Shaped Box."

This song never fails to make me cry

She died today 6 years ago.... RIP "Rose of Irland".

In absolute awe of your channel.. ❤

As a visually driven person, the video is devastating. It shows everything the lyrics convey. The BW view of children leaping across a drop of lethal height is so evocative. And the golden children is wonderful. In your head they are fighting!