Linger (The Cranberries)

“Linger” by The Cranberries is a poignant song about unrequited love and the lingering pain of a failed relationship.

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The song’s lyrics express the deep emotional turmoil of a person who is still in love with someone who no longer feels the same way.

The opening lines, “If you, if you could return, don’t let it burn, don’t let it fade,” convey a desperate plea for the relationship to be salvaged, highlighting the speaker’s lingering hope.

The chorus, “I’m sure I’m not being rude, but it’s just your attitude, it’s tearing me apart, it’s ruining everything,” reveals the frustration and hurt caused by the other person’s indifferent attitude.

The repeated phrase “I’ll sing it one last time for you” underscores the finality of the situation, suggesting that the speaker is finally accepting the end of the relationship but still holding onto the memories and emotions.

The song’s melancholic tone and Dolores O’Riordan’s emotive vocals further emphasize the heartbreak and longing that permeate the lyrics.