In an interview given to Dave Fanning (Ovation’s Music Express, 1999) Dolores explained that she wrote "Shattered" when she was 6-7 months pregnant of her first child and she said that it “is about the fears that you go through when you’re carrying a child.”
Credit Information
Music by N. Hogan & D. O’Riordan.
Lyrics D. O’Riordan.
Produced by The Cranberries & Benedict Fenner.
Engineered and Mixed by Mike Plotnikoff at Sarm West and Olympic (London).
Recorded at metalworks (Toronto), Windmill Lane (Dublin), Le Miravel (France), Sarm West (London).
Mastered at Gateway Mastering Studios (Portland, Maine).
Published by PolyGram International Publishing Inc. (ASCAP) 1999.
Shattered
The Cranberries Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So please don't stand in my way
I've waited for the longest time
This is what I wanted in my way
Move over, move over
There's a climax coming in my way
Move over, move over
I don't like you, don't compromise
Shattered by your weakness
Shattered by your smile
And I'm not very fond of you, and your lies
Shattered by your weaknesses
Shattered by your smile
All the kids are going back to school
The summer's over it's the golden rule
And now I'm coming out to play
So please don't stand in my way
And all the things that seemed once to be
So important to me
Seem so trivial now that I can see
Move over, move over
There's a climax coming my way
Move over, move over
There's a climax coming my way
I don't like you, don't compromise
Shattered by your weakness
Shattered by your smile
And I'm not very fond of you, and your lies
Shattered by your weaknesses
Shattered by your smile
Shattered by your weaknesses
Shattered by your smile
Shattered by your weaknesses
I was Shattered by your smile
Shattered by your weaknesses
I was Shattered by your smile
Please don't stand in my way
The Cranberries "Shattered" is a song that speaks to the power of self-control, overcoming weakness, and the freedom that comes from making your dreams come true. From the opening lines, lead singer Dolores O'Riordan affirms her decision to move forward, "I'm trying to control myself, so please don't stand in my way." After waiting for a long time, she is determined to make things happen and have them her way.
The chorus is a celebration of this newfound sense of freedom, with O'Riordan declaring, "Move over, move over, there's a climax coming in my way." The lyrics are a call for those who may have held her back in the past to step aside and allow her to unleash her potential, something she is certain will happen now that she is no longer held back.
The second verse, with its reference to summer giving way to the "golden rule" of going back to school, serves as a reminder that life is fleeting, and it's important to make the most of every opportunity. In the bridge, the lyrics suggest the singer is tired of compromising her beliefs and values for the sake of someone else. She is "shattered" by their weakness and their lies, and their insincere smile holds no allure.
"Shattered" by The Cranberries is a song that speaks to the power of taking control of your own life, overcoming limitations and external forces that would hold you back. It is an anthem for those who realize that they have been compromising their values and desires for far too long and are ready to break out and pursue their own path.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trying to control myself
I am trying to keep hold of myself and not give in to my impulses.
So please don't stand in my way
I am requesting you not to obstruct me from fulfilling my desires.
I've waited for the longest time
I have been waiting for a considerable while to get what I crave for.
This is what I wanted in my way
I have always wanted this, but on my terms and conditions.
Move over, move over / There's a climax coming in my way
I am asking you to make way, as the culmination of events that I yearned for is imminent.
I don't like you, don't compromise
I do not admire your traits, so do not try to come to a mutual agreement.
Shattered by your weakness / Shattered by your smile
Your weaknesses and smiles have caused immense damage to me, leaving me shattered.
And I'm not very fond of you, and your lies
I have no affection towards you and your deceitful nature.
All the kids are going back to school / The summer's over it's the golden rule
The season is changing, and everyone is returning to their mundane lives.
And now I'm coming out to play
I am finally coming out of my shell and living life on my terms.
And all the things that seemed once to be / So important to me / Seem so trivial now that I can see
Things that were significant to me in the past have lost their value as my perspective has changed.
I was Shattered by your smile / Shattered by your weaknesses
Your smile and weaknesses shattered me and left me in a state of despair.
Please don't stand in my way
I request you not to obstruct me from achieving my desires and aspirations.
Move over, move over / There's a climax coming my way
I am requesting you, once again, to make way, as I am on the cusp of reaching the peak of my aspirations.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NOEL HOGAN, DOLORES MARY O'RIORDAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind