Do You Know
The Cranberries Lyrics


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Be here a while, might as well smile
Might as well smile

I will be strong, will carry on
And I'll always hold on to my smile

What would you say, would you say that I'm sad
For feeling this way, ow!
What would you do if you were in my shoes
In mine
Do you know what I think
Do you know what I think about it, about it
I guess you don't know anything
You don't know anything about it, about it

Dust in my eyes, I realise that I'm thinking of you
I'll take my car, I will go far and I'll be lonely for you

What would you say, would you say that I'm sad
For feeling this way, ow!
What would you do if you were in my shoes
In mine
Do you know what I think
Do you know what I think about it, about it




I guess you don't know anything
You don't know anything about it, about it

Overall Meaning

The Cranberries' song Do You Know is a melancholic piece that revolves around feelings of loneliness and heartbreak. The lyrics dive into the depths of unrequited love and ponder the thoughts that come with such a situation.


The opening lines, "Be here a while, might as well smile, might as well smile," suggests the notion that despite the pain and sadness, one should still make an effort to be happy and find joy in life. The lead singer affirms her strength when she says, "I will be strong, will carry on, and I'll always hold on to my smile," highlighting the importance of resilience and positivity in the face of adversity.


The chorus poses a question to the person who has caused the heartache, asking them if they understand the degree of hurt they have inflicted. The repetition of the line, "Do you know what I think about it, about it, I guess you don't know anything, you don't know anything about it, about it," underscores the frustration and pain of being misunderstood.


The verse "Dust in my eyes, I realize that I'm thinking of you, I'll take my car, I will go far and I'll be lonely for you," hones in on the deep longing for the absent lover, despite the torment caused by their absence.


Overall, Do You Know shines a light on the blurred lines between love and pain, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, resilience, and expression of emotions.


Line by Line Meaning

Be here a while, might as well smile
I might as well be happy while I am here for a while.


I will be strong, will carry on
I will remain steadfast and persevere through difficult times.


And I'll always hold on to my smile
I will maintain my positive attitude and outlook on life.


What would you say, would you say that I'm sad
If I expressed my true feelings, would you perceive me as unhappy?


For feeling this way, ow!
It hurts to feel this emotional pain.


What would you do if you were in my shoes
If you were in my situation, how would you feel or respond?


In mine
This is my personal experience and perspective.


Do you know what I think
Do you truly understand and comprehend my thoughts and feelings?


Do you know what I think about it, about it
Are you aware of my opinions and perspectives on this matter?


I guess you don't know anything
I presume you lack knowledge or understanding of my situation.


You don't know anything about it, about it
Your understanding or awareness of my circumstances is minimal or nonexistent.


Dust in my eyes, I realise that I'm thinking of you
I am reminded of you and my thoughts become clouded or emotional as a result.


I'll take my car, I will go far and I'll be lonely for you
I will physically distance myself but still experience feelings of loneliness for you.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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