Linger is one of the most iconic songs by the Irish band The Cranberries, released in 1993 as the second single from their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?. The song became a breakthrough hit for the band, helping establish their international success. It’s notable for its delicate combination of soft rock and dream pop elements, with a haunting melody that showcases lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s ethereal vocals.
The lyrics of Linger revolve around themes of love, betrayal, and regret. O’Riordan wrote the song based on a personal experience, reflecting on the emotional aftermath of a failed romantic relationship. The emotional depth of the lyrics, combined with the gentle strings and lush instrumentation, gives the song a bittersweet, nostalgic quality.
Musically, the song is driven by a smooth and flowing guitar melody, and it features a distinctive string arrangement that adds to its haunting feel. The simplicity of the arrangement, with its subtle acoustic instrumentation and poignant string sections, allows O’Riordan’s expressive voice to take centre stage.
Linger became the band’s first major hit, peaking at No. 8 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and entering the Top 20 in several countries. It also received heavy rotation on MTV, contributing to The Cranberries’ rising popularity in the 1990s. The song’s success helped propel Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? to multi-platinum status.
The music video for Linger, directed by Melodie McDaniel, is also memorable. Shot in black and white, it features surreal, dreamlike imagery that complements the song’s emotional tone.
Linger remains one of The Cranberries’ most beloved songs, often considered a timeless classic in alternative rock and a signature piece in the band’s catalogue.
The mixing of Linger took place at the now-closed Maison Rouge Studios in Fulham, Southwest London, which was a preferred spot for Stephen Street at the time. “The SSL console there would have been an E Series,” he recalls.
“Maison Rouge was very well-equipped. For mixing, the essential gear at any studio back then included a Lexicon reverb unit (likely a 480L), an AMS reverb, and an AMS delay line, which we used on nearly every track. There was also a good EMT plate reverb, which was always a nice addition.”
