10 Greatest Anti-war Songs In Rock
3. Zombie - The Cranberries (1994)
Not only was this song one of the defining sounds of the 1990s alternative rock scene, but it contained a sharp and haunting sentiment.
Lead singer Dolores O'Riordan wrote the song as a response to the Troubles in Ireland, a 30-year period of conflict between pro Irish nationalists and Irish Loyalists. The lyrics expressed O'Roirdan's despair at the innocents being killed both by IRA attacks in the UK and the British army's treatment of Irish civilians.
She also referenced the feeling felt by many Irish living in the UK at the time of the Troubles. IRA bomb attacks in the UK had been a not uncommon occurrence, resulting in a building mistrust. The line "It's not me" was a reaction to not wanting to be associated with the IRA, particularly after the death of a young child who was killed close to where the singer lived.
The track has a distinctly grunge rock sound to it, the guitars are ominous, threatening and filled with a sense of hopelessness. When the heavy guitar comes crashing over the chorus it's as if they represent the rolling tracks of British Tanks making their way through Irish towns and cities.