Ode to My Family
The Cranberries Lyrics

Doo doo doo do, doo doo doo do
The repetition of this phrase serves as a musical interlude between verses and doesn't add any specific meaning to the song.

Understand the things I say
The singer wants the listener to pay attention and comprehend the message they're trying to convey.

Don't turn away from me
The singer is asking the listener to actively engage with them and not ignore or disregard what they have to say.

'Cause I've spent half my life out there
The singer has experienced a lot of things and wants to be understood in the context of their life experiences.

You wouldn't disagree
The singer believes that their experiences are universal and that the listener can relate to them as well.

Do you see me, do you see?
The singer is asking the listener if they truly understand and recognize them as an individual.

Do you like me
The singer wants to know if the listener genuinely cares about them and values their presence.

Do you like me standing there?
The singer is questioning whether their physical presence is appreciated or merely tolerated.

Do you notice, do you know
The singer is seeking acknowledgement and validation from the listener.

Does anyone care?
The singer is expressing feelings of loneliness and abandonment and questioning whether anyone truly cares about them.

Unhappiness where's when I was young
The singer is reflecting on a time in their life when they were unhappy and unsatisfied.

And we didn't give a damn
The singer and their peers were rebellious and didn't care about societal expectations or norms.

'Cause we were raised
The singer attributes their attitude and behavior to how they were brought up and their upbringing's influence.

To see life as fun and take it if we can
The singer and their peers were taught to enjoy life and take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

My mother, my mother
The singer is referring to their relationship with their mother, who is an important figure in their life.

She'd hold me
The singer received comfort and support from their mother when they needed it.

My father, my father
The singer is referring to their relationship with their father, who is another important figure in their life.

He liked me, well he liked me
The singer received love and approval from their father, which was a source of happiness and comfort for them.

You did not find me
The singer believes that the listener has not truly understood them or their experiences.

Does anyone care?
The singer is reiterating their feelings of loneliness and questioning whether anyone truly cares about them.