It talks about drug abuse, and how one should refrain from falling into it. The directness of the song was regarded as bland and too preachy by the media and critics, but Dolores O'Riordan said that it wasn't supposed to tell people what to do, but it was rather a personal reflection; she was talking to herself.
"Salvation" was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios during the 1995 sessions for To The Faithful Departed.
The music on Salvation was written by Dolores O'Riordan and Noel Hogan. The lyrics were written by O'Riordan. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn and engineered by Mike Plotnikoff.
The horn section on Salvation was performed by Richie Buckley (Tenor Sax), Michael Buckley (Baritone Sax) and Bruce Fairbairn (Trumpet).
"Salvation" was released as a single in April 1996. A hit in the US, the song also crashed into the UK charts at #13, making it the band's second biggest hit.
There was no CD single issued in the US, and thus, it didn't make it into the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It reached #1 (and stayed there for 4 weeks) on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart. In the UK, the single peaked at #13.
In the Irish Singles Chart it got to #8, making it their third biggest hit on their home soil.
The music video for "Salvation" was directed in March 1996 by Olivier Dahan in France, for the company Bandits Productions.
It is one of the most acclaimed videos by the band's fans. It has a bizarre mood, and notorious references to drug use and abuse. It shows a clown with needles instead of hair, a confused girl whose parents are being held by the clown, all in a torn house at the top of a hill.
The bizarre images are supposed to represent the effects drugs have on people. The clown jumping on the teddy bear is a symbol of the loss of innocence, and the trapped parents show how drugs are a problem that affect not only the consumer, but also his or her close relatives/friends.
Salvation
Cranberries Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't do it, don't do it
Inject your soul with liberty
It's free, it's free
To all the kids with heroin eyes
Don't do it, don't do it
'Cause it's not, not what it seems
Oh no it's not, not what it seems
[Chorus]
Salvation, Salvation, Salvation is free
Salvation, Salvation, Salvation is free
To all the parents with sleepless nights
Sleepless nights
Tie your kids home to their beds
Clean their heads
To all the kids with heroin eyes
Don't do it, don't do it
'Cause it's not, not what it seems
No no it's not, not what it seems
[Chorus]
In the song "Salvation" by The Cranberries, the lyrics provide a plea to those struggling with addiction to find freedom and salvation. The song highlights the dangers of drug use and the devastating effects it has on individuals and their loved ones. The opening verse urges people not to use drugs and to instead find freedom in their souls, which is a powerful message. The songwriters are essentially saying that true salvation cannot be found through drugs and that true freedom can only be found through other means.
The chorus reinforces this message of salvation being free and urging listeners to embrace that freedom rather than turning to drugs. The lyrics express empathy for parents who may be suffering from sleepless nights worrying about their children who may be struggling with addiction. The song ultimately highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of addiction and taking action to protect loved ones from harm.
Overall, "Salvation" is a powerful song that speaks to the human struggle with addiction and the importance of finding true salvation and freedom. The Cranberries’ message is one of hope and encourages listeners to make positive choices that lead to better outcomes in life.
Line by Line Meaning
To all the people doing lines
A message to those who are snorting drugs.
Don't do it, don't do it
An urging to stop consuming drugs.
Inject your soul with liberty
Instead of putting harmful substances into your body, set yourself free from addiction.
It's free, it's free
This freedom from addiction doesn't cost anything and is available for everyone.
To all the kids with heroin eyes
A message of concern for young people who may be using heroin.
Don't do it, don't do it
A strong warning against using heroin.
'Cause it's not, not what it seems
Using heroin may seem like a solution, but it is actually a dangerous and deadly drug.
Oh no it's not, not what it seems
Reinforcing the message that using heroin will only lead to negative consequences.
Salvation, Salvation, Salvation is free
The word salvation refers to a way out and the promise that it is free reinforces the message that freedom from addiction is attainable for anyone.
To all the parents with sleepless nights
Acknowledging the worry and hardship that parents of addicted young people experience.
Sleepless nights
Describing the anxiety and stress that parents feel when their children are in danger.
Tie your kids home to their beds
Expressing the desire to keep children safe from harm and prevent them from leaving the home and seeking out drugs.
Clean their heads
A call to action for parents to help their children overcome addiction and think clearly.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DOLORES MARY O'RIORDAN, NOEL HOGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@downsiderising9144
Emailed Dolores about this song and how it helped me through such a rough time She actually replied and i love her for that Just wish i could have been there to help her when she needed it RIP Beautiful lady
@Infinix-fv9sd
like
@kendollgt
Powerful message; instead of being trapped doing drugs, save yourself and be free.
@HandleNameIsStupid
Noble cause but it's far more complicated then just telling people to stop.
@templarkiller2926
@@HandleNameIsStupid Well yeah, but people won't take the steps that are needed to stop if they still think that what they are doing isn't so bad for themselves, you have to remove the illusion first, and if this can help than let it help.
@shanehorsfall1337
I have to analyse the lyrics to this songs as a part of my A Level English Literature course , and theres soo much to write about the meaning of the song . Also i am a huge Cranberries fan
@skaterseye
This message truly saved my life
@tinktheartist50
But she died of alcohol exposure with drugs in her system. :/
@rayshuler7293
Salvation is free . I'm Saved . Thank GOD .
@johnjeffries8935
As a recovering addict this is a anthem to me, gone to soon rip Dolores