“Linger” is a song by The Cranberries, released in 1993 as the second single from their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?. Written by The Cranberries members, lead vocalist Dolores O’Riordan and guitarist Noel Hogan, it became the band’s breakthrough hit, showcasing their signature blend of dreamy alternative rock and Irish folk influences. The song is driven by Dolores O’Riordan’s haunting, emotive vocals, jangly guitars, and a melancholic string arrangement.
“Linger” is about heartbreak and betrayal, inspired by O’Riordan’s personal experience with a failed teenage romance. The song expresses lingering emotions and regret, with the chorus repeatedly questioning whether the love and promises once shared were real. O’Riordan’s delicate yet powerful voice gives the song its emotional weight, making it one of the most poignant breakup anthems of the 1990s.
“Linger” was a commercial success, reaching No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and performing well in several international charts. It played a crucial role in launching The Cranberries to global fame and remains one of their most beloved songs. Over the years, “Linger” has endured as a timeless alternative rock classic, praised for its raw emotion, poetic lyrics, and O’Riordan’s unforgettable vocal delivery.