The critics gave positive review about the song: "Opening with "Conduct" and we're already hypnotized with Dolores O’Riordan's melodic and soft vocals. "Conduct" is everything an opening song should be. It has a built up introduction that then flows into a song that is full of raw emotion and talent." (THWMusic); "Album opener Conduct is a thesaurus for anyone stuck on words for ‘sadness’. Dolores O’Riordan’s silky, lilting vocals tell you a hundred alternatives, while arresting melodies unravel heartbreak and loss on every level. It’s knowingly clichéd, yet wonderfully despondent. It’s not entirely dreary – Conduct is illuminated by intricately upbeat orchestration. Bursts of classic pop and bellowing choruses are a novel handling of heartache." (The Upcoming); "“Conduct” is a compelling starter, developing an argument for saving a relationship as sentiments move from a position of “Now it’s too late, I can see that we should not be together” to that of “When we get along, we’re really strong”. The battle tone is neatly set by martial drums in the opening instrumental build and resolved through a progressive melody colored by O’Riordan’s assertive vocal." (Consequences Of Sound); "Opening track Conduct channels Sigur Ros with an intro of eerie strings before Dolores O’Riordan’s trademark vocals and gently plucked acoustic guitar bring it back to traditional Cranberries territory." (The Music).
Conduct
The Cranberries Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ahahahah
Ah-ahahahah (ahah ahah)
Ahahahah
Now it's too late, I can see that we should not be together
Now it's too late, we've gone too far and we should not be together
Destructive, disruptive not conductive
Now it's too late, I can see that we should not be together
Ah-ahahahah ahah ahah
Take back my life, take back my heart
I know I can hold it together
Give back my life, give back my heart
I know we can hold us together
Enlightening, enlightening
When we're not fighting, we're not fighting
Can't you see we should get along
It's not too late, I can see I know we can hold it together
When we get along, we're really strong, we're really strong
When we get along, we're really strong, we're really strong
Conduct yourself, conduct yourself
Conduct yourself, conduct yourself
Conduct yourself (when we get along), conduct yourself
Conduct yourself (we're really strong, we're really strong)
Conduct yourself
The Cranberries' song Conduct is a poignant reflection on a relationship that has passed its expiry date. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of regret and frustration at the inevitability of the relationship's end, even though the writer acknowledges that it is already too late to salvage the situation. The lines "Now it's too late, we've gone too far and we should not be together" and "Destructive, disruptive not conductive, can't you see where we went wrong?" are reflective of the pain and sadness that comes from realizing that a relationship has run its course.
Despite the darkness of the song, it is not completely hopeless. The lyrics indicate that the writer knows they can take back control of their life and hold themselves together, and that there is still potential for the couple to get along if they can overcome their differences. The refrain of "Conduct yourself, conduct yourself" serves as a reminder that how we behave and treat others can have a significant impact on the outcome of our relationships.
Overall, Conduct is a powerful song that captures the uncertainty and complexity of relationships, and the pain that comes when they end. The lyrics serve as a hopeful reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have the strength to hold ourselves together and move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Now it's too late, I can see that we should not be together
The singer acknowledges that the relationship should end, as it has become destructive and has gone too far.
Destructive, disruptive not conductive
The negative behavior in the relationship is causing harm and is not conducive to a healthy connection.
Can't you see where we went wrong?
The singer questions whether their partner is aware of the mistakes made in the relationship.
Take back my life, take back my heart
The artist desires to regain control over their own life and emotions, instead of being held back by the toxic relationship.
Give back my life, give back my heart
The artist hopes that their partner will return the sense of freedom and happiness that has been lost in the relationship.
Enlightening, enlightening
Peaceful and positive moments in the relationship can be revealing and uplifting.
When we're not fighting, we're not fighting
When the couple is not arguing or causing conflict, they can appreciate the calm moments together.
Can't you see we should get along
The artist suggests that their partner should recognize the benefits of getting along and working towards a healthier relationship.
It's not too late, I can see I know we can hold it together
Despite previous conflicts and negative behavior, the artist believes that there is still hope for the relationship if both parties are willing to work on it.
When we get along, we're really strong, we're really strong
When the couple is communicating well and has a positive connection, they feel confident and happy together.
Conduct yourself, conduct yourself
The singer advises their partner to behave in a mature and responsible manner in the relationship.
Conduct yourself (when we get along), conduct yourself
The artist emphasizes the importance of positive behavior between them, as it strengthens the relationship.
Conduct yourself (we're really strong, we're really strong)
The repeated phrase reiterates the importance of maintaining positive behavior in the relationship, as it is a key factor in their strength as a couple.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dolores Mary O'Riordan, Noel Anthony Hogan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nina755
Now it’s too late, I can see that we should not be together
Now it’s too late, we’ve gone too far and we should not be together
Destructive, disruptive not conductive
Can’t you see where we went wrong?
Now it’s too late, I can see that we should not be together
Ah-ahahahah ahah ahah
Take back my life, take back my heart
I know I can hold it together
Give back my life, give back my heart
I know we can hold us together
Enlightening, enlightening
When we’re not fighting, we’re not fighting
Can’t you see we should get along
It’s not too late, I can see I know we can hold it together
When we get along, we’re really strong, we’re really strong
When we get along, we’re really strong, we’re really strong
Conduct yourself, conduct yourself
Conduct yourself, conduct yourself
Conduct yourself (when we get along), conduct yourself
Conduct yourself (we’re really strong, we’re really strong), conduct yourself
@user-tj7bc5ov4l
Ah-ahahahah (ahah ahah)
Ahahahah
Ah-ahahahah (ahah ahah)
Ahahahah
Now it's too late, I can see that we should not be together
Now it's too late, we've gone too far and we should not be together
Destructive, disruptive not conductive
Can't you see where we went wrong?
Now it's too late, I can see that we should not be together
Ah-ahahahah ahah ahah
Take back my life, take back my heart
I know I can hold it together
Give back my life, give back my heart
I know we can hold us together
Enlightening, enlightening
When we're not fighting, we're not fighting
Can't you see we should get along
It's not too late, I can see I know we can hold it together
When we get along, we're really strong, we're really strong
When we get along, we're really strong, we're really strong
Conduct yourself, conduct yourself
Conduct yourself, conduct yourself
Conduct yourself (when we get along), conduct yourself
Conduct yourself (we're really strong, we're really strong)
Conduct yourself
@demanisrecks2049
Dolores nails it every time! I always find a new way to be in awe of such a wonderful creature, and she is sorely missed.
@RickNelsonMn
RIP Dolores. A voice I listen to '89 to present. Bless the band, families and friends.
@Fairi2009
RIP Dolores O'Riodan i will be always your fan
@sizhun
Listening to this song and my tears begin to fall down, my heart is touched by the melody. I love the cranberries <3
@declanmcdonnell6965
Even more so now with Dolores' departure :(
@powerfly777
This song makes me nostalgic. For what, i don't know. Like something is calling, someone long forgotten.
@joemckenzie1235
Agreed
@tinastanley4444
Feel the same way.
@RayOvacRadio
I know for a fact!!!
@ackerjawaka4742
I loved the roses album and conduct is an absolute belter to kick off with ♠️ the only album i dont really like is bury the hatchet ♠️ both her solo albums were excellent ♠️