The meaning of I Still Do by The Cranberries

The Cranberries' song "I Still Do" is a powerful ballad that speaks to the lingering emotions of a past love. Written by Dolores O'Riordan and Noel Hogan, the song's lyrics capture the pain and longing that can follow even after a relationship has ended.

The opening lines, "I still do / What you told me not to do," set the tone for the rest of the song, which is one of regret and nostalgia. The narrator is acknowledging that they still hold onto memories and emotions tied to their former partner, despite knowing that this attachment is not healthy or productive.

Throughout the song, O'Riordan's haunting vocals convey a sense of desperation and yearning. Her voice soars on the chorus, "I still do / I still do," emphasizing the depth of her emotional connection to this person who is no longer in their life. The raw emotion she brings to the performance makes it easy for listeners to connect with the song's themes of heartache and longing.

The lyrics also touch on the idea that even though the relationship has ended, the memories and emotions associated with it continue to linger. The narrator repeats the phrase "I still do" throughout the song, emphasizing their inability to let go of these feelings. This sense of resignation is poignant, as the narrator comes to terms with the fact that they will always carry a piece of this person with them.

Musically, "I Still Do" features a simple but effective arrangement, with a focus on O'Riordan's vocals and Hogan's guitar work. The song's production is stripped back, allowing the emotional intensity of the performance to shine through. The result is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that showcases the band's ability to craft songs that are both personal and universally relatable.

Overall, "I Still Do" is a standout track in The Cranberries' discography, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human emotions and the power of music to express them.