Kapanlagi.com - The song Linger, released in 1993 by the Irish rock band The Cranberries, has become one of the most iconic love songs of all time. Its poetic lyrics and haunting melody have touched the hearts of millions of listeners around the world.
Not just an ordinary love song, Linger holds a personal story from the vocalist Dolores O'Riordan about her experience of first love filled with happiness, betrayal, and deep regret. Check out the meaning of the song below.
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1. Lyrics of The Cranberries - Linger

Meaning and Interpretation of the Song Linger by The Cranberries (credit: instagram/thecranberries)
If you, if you could return
Don't let it burn, don't let it fade
I'm sure I'm not being rude, but it's just your attitude
It's tearing me apart, it's ruining everything
And I swore, I swore I would be true
And honey, so did you
So why were you holding her hand?
Is that the way we stand? Were you lying all the time?
Was it just a game to you?
But I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?
Oh, I thought the world of you
I thought nothing could go wrong
But I was wrong, I was wrong
If you, if you could get by
Trying not to lie
Things wouldn't be so confused, and I wouldn't feel so used
But you always really knew I just wanna be with you
And I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?
And I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger?
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?
2. Meaning of the Lyrics of Linger
The meaning of the song Linger is about a first love that is so beautiful yet leaves a deep wound when trust is betrayed. Dolores O'Riordan wrote this story with poetic language that makes the listeners feel the pain she experienced.
The lyrics depict the dilemma of a woman who cannot let go of her feelings of love even after being hurt. There is a strong sense of fragility, but on the other hand, there is also an emotional bond that is difficult to sever.
3. Inspiration from Dolores's Personal Experience

The Meaning and Significance of the Song Linger by The Cranberries (credit: instagram/thecranberries)
Dolores O'Riordan drew from her own love experiences as inspiration for writing this song. She poured her feelings of first love, sweet yet full of wounds, into a series of heart-wrenching lyrics.
Although her first love ended bitterly, the memories remain deeply etched in her life. Through this song, she attempts to encapsulate how a first love can leave a mark that is hard to erase.
4. An Unforgettable First Kiss
In an interview, Dolores once revealed that Linger is about her first kiss. She said that the experience was so memorable that it never really left her mind.
This first kiss became a symbol of the beginning of her love journey, filled with both joy and sorrow. That sweet memory turned into a shadow that continued to haunt her after betrayal occurred.
5. Emotional Messages in Every Verse

The Meaning and Significance of the Song Linger by The Cranberries (credit: instagram/thecranberries)
Each verse in the lyrics of Linger holds a deep emotional message. The question "Do you have to let it linger?" signifies how difficult it is to forget a first love that lingers on.
Dolores also expresses confusion and heartache through another verse that describes feelings of betrayal. Despite being full of wounds, she still cannot fully let go of her love.
6. Questions About the Song Linger by The Cranberries
Q: What is the meaning of the song Linger by The Cranberries?
A: This song tells the story of a beautiful first love that ends in betrayal, leaving behind bitter and deep memories.
Q: Who wrote the song Linger?
A: The song was written by Dolores O’Riordan, the lead vocalist of The Cranberries, based on her personal experiences.
Q: Why is the song Linger so popular?
A: Because its lyrics are poetic, emotional, and resonate with the universal experience of first love, making it easily touch the hearts of listeners.
Q: What is the main inspiration for the song Linger?
A: The main inspiration is Dolores O’Riordan's personal experience of her memorable first kiss.
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Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.