"Zombie" is about the ethno-political conflict in Ireland. This is obvious if you know anything of the singer (Dolores O'Riordan)'s Irish heritage and understood the "1916" Easter Rising reference.
"Another head hangs lowly
Child is slowly taken
And the violence caused such silence
Who are we mistaken
-
Another mother's breaking
Heart is taking over"
Laments the Warrington bomb attacks in which two children were fatally injured on March 23rd, 1993. Twelve year old Tim Parry was taken off life support with permission from his mother after five days in the hospital, virtually braindead.
"But you see it's not me
It's not my family"
References how people who are not directly involved with the violence feel about it. They are "zombies" without sympathy who refuse to take action while others suffer.
You're the lost generation
You'll never compromise
Here's a superficial kiss
Now taste me with your eyes
Your'e the lost generation
Helpless and untrue
All this psycho-drama worship
Yeah baby, I'm talkin' ‘bout you!
Hey, the lost generation
Take a trip into the night
Close the door, the mood is right
Shed the fear that locks you in
Prepare for love, prepare for sin
Break the chains that keep you bound
I'll lift you up and tie you down
Play the part and feel the scene
I'll be your king if you're my queen
Hey, the lost generation
You'll never compromise
Here's a superficial kiss
Now taste me with your eyes
Your'e the lost generation
Helpless and untrue
All this psycho-drama worship
Yeah baby, I'm talkin' ‘bout you!
Hey, the lost generation
Take a trip into the night
Close the door, the mood is right
Shed the fear that locks you in
Prepare for love, prepare for sin
Break the chains that keep you bound
I'll lift you up and tie you down
Play the part and feel the scene
I'll be your king if you're my queen
Hey, the lost generation
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings

Zombie
Cranberries, The
Cranberries, The

Keep My Name Outta Your Mouth
Black Keys, The
Black Keys, The
This standout track comes off the artiste's latest reissue titled "Brothers Deluxe Remastered 10th Anniversary Edition". The track was produced by Mark Neill, Patrick Carney & Dan Auerbach. It was released via major streaming platforms on December 18, 2020.

Hypnotized
River Tiber
River Tiber
This standout psychedelic track was produced in its entirety by River Tiber, being released to all major digital streaming platforms on December 29, 2020.

Up 2020
Uncle Murda
Uncle Murda
This standout song of the rapper's latest studio album titled "Don’t Come Outside, Vol. 3" was produced by Great John. The track was released via major streaming platforms on January 1, 2021.

Still Luv
Kennedy Rd.
Kennedy Rd.
This standout song off her eponymously named album was produced by AVB & Itsashleetho and released on December 28, 2020.