Hollywood
The Cranberries Lyrics
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I've got a picture in my head, in my head, in my head
It's me and you, we are in bed, we are in bed
You'll always been there when I call, when I call
You'll always been there most of all, all, all, all
This is not Hollywood, like I understand
Is not Hollywood, like, like, like
This is not Hollywood, like I understand
Is not Hollywood, like, like, like
Run away, run away, is there anybody there?
Run away, run away, is there anybody there?
Get away, get away, get away
Get away, get away, get away
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
I've got a picture in my room, in my room
I will return there I presume, it should be soon
The greatest irony of all, shoot the wall
It's not so glamorous at all, all, all, all
This is not Hollywood, like I understand
Is not Hollywood, like, like, like
This is not Hollywood, like I understand
Is not Hollywood, like, like, like
Run away, run away, is there anybody there?
Run away, run away, is there anybody there?
Get away, get away, get away
Get away, get away, get away
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
This is not Hollywood, runaway
This is not Hollywood, like, like, like
Like, like, like, like, like, like, like, like (runaway)
Like, like, like, like, like, like, like, like (runaway)
Like, like, like, like (runaway)
The Cranberries' song Hollywood is a powerful commentary on the not-so-glamorous reality of fame and celebrity. The song opens with the singer describing a vivid image of herself and her partner in bed, painted in her mind. She trusts her partner to always be there for her, but recognizes that the image of what she's describing is not of the glamorous lifestyle that the entertainment industry often portrays - this is not the Hollywood she understands.
The second verse describes another image - this time in her room - and it suggests that she'll return to it soon. The 'greatest irony of all', however, is that behind the image, there is nothing glamorous at all. It's simply a facade, because, as the chorus repeats, this is not the Hollywood she understands, and the frantic repetition of 'run away' and 'get away' at the end of the verses highlights her desperation to escape that world.
The song's bridge, meanwhile, focuses on the phrase 'runaway', which can be interpreted as both wanting to escape, and as a plea or warning to others not to fall into the same trap. It's a powerful and poignant message, and the song's emotional delivery perfectly complements the lyrics' themes.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a picture in my head, in my head, in my head
The singer has an image in her mind or imagination.
It's me and you, we are in bed, we are in bed
The singer is picturing herself and another person together in an intimate setting.
You'll always been there when I call, when I call
The singer believes that the other person will be there for her when she needs support.
You'll always been there most of all, all, all, all
The person she is picturing being with in bed is especially important to her.
This is not Hollywood, like I understand
The situation or relationship the singer is picturing is not glamorous or perfect like the movies.
Run away, run away, is there anybody there?
The singer is feeling overwhelmed and possibly considering escaping from reality.
Get away, get away, get away
The singer is repeating her desire to escape her current situation.
I've got a picture in my room, in my room
The singer has a physical representation of the image in her mind.
I will return there I presume, it should be soon
The singer plans on revisiting the situation or person she is picturing in her mind.
The greatest irony of all, shoot the wall
The artist recognizes a major contrast between her idealized image and the reality of the situation.
It's not so glamorous at all, all, all, all
The idealized image is not representative of reality and is not as perfect as she originally thought.
This is not Hollywood, runaway
She is reiterating that what she pictures in her mind is not a perfect movie scene.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOLORES MARY O'RIORDAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind