Dying Inside
小红莓合唱团 the Cranberries Lyrics


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Terrible thing, it was a terrible thing
To see her dying

It was a terrible thing, it was a terrible thing
To see her dying, inside, to see her dying

Won't you come out a play the games we played
Won't you speak out, and say the things you'd say

The lady loved her gold, the lady lost her soul

It was a terrible thing, it was a terrible thing
To see her dying

It was a terrible thing, it was a terrible thing
To see her dying, inside, to see her dying

Do you remember, the things we used to do
Do you remember, the way it was for you

The lady loved her gold, the lady lost her soul

It was a terrible thing, it was a terrible thing
To see her dying

It was a terrible thing, it was a terrible thing
To see her dying, inside, to see her dying





La ah, la ah, la ah

Overall Meaning

The Cranberries' song "Dying Inside" is a poignant reflection on the pain of watching someone you care about slowly lose themselves to their own vices. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, expressing the heartache of witnessing a friend or loved one becoming consumed by their addictions or obsessions. The repeated refrain of "It was a terrible thing, it was a terrible thing to see her dying" underscores the sense of sadness and helplessness that the singer feels as they bear witness to this slow unraveling.


The song's opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the piece: "Terrible thing, it was a terrible thing / To see her dying." The repetition of the phrase "terrible thing" emphasizes the gravity of what the singer is witnessing, while the use of the impersonal pronoun "her" adds a layer of distance, suggesting that the person in question may be someone the singer has lost touch with or grown apart from.


As the song progresses, the singer pleads with their friend to "come out and play the games we played" and "speak out and say the things you'd say." It's a cry for connection in the midst of what feels like an increasingly isolating and alienating situation. The final lines, with their repetition of the phrase "the lady loved her gold, the lady lost her soul," feel like a mournful acknowledgement of the high stakes of addiction and compulsion.


While the lyrics of "Dying Inside" are relatively straightforward, the song is notable for its emotional intensity and the rawness of lead singer Dolores O'Riordan's vocals. It's a haunting and affecting track that speaks to the universality of feeling powerless in the face of someone else's pain.


Line by Line Meaning

Terrible thing, it was a terrible thing
Witnessing the deterioration of someone's mental and emotional state is truly a devastating experience.


To see her dying
The act of watching someone slowly lose their sense of self and become a mere shell of who they once were is a heart-wrenching and painful process.


Won't you come out a play the games we played
Wouldn't it be nice to relive the memories of better days and return to a time when everything seemed simpler and less burdensome?


Won't you speak out, and say the things you'd say
It's important to communicate openly and honestly in order to avoid any misunderstandings or feelings of resentment that may lead to the deterioration of a relationship.


The lady loved her gold, the lady lost her soul
This line refers to the dangerous and destructive nature of greed and materialism, and how these vices can strip a person of their humanity and true essence.


Do you remember, the things we used to do
Recalling past experiences and reminiscing about the good times can provide a sense of comfort and hope during difficult times.


Do you remember, the way it was for you
It's important to reflect on one's own past experiences and how they have shaped who they are today in order to move forward and grow as a person.


La ah, la ah, la ah
This phrase serves as a refrain and emphasizes the emotional weight and significance of the preceding lines.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Noel Anthony Hogan, Dolores Mary O'Riordan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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