Wake Me When It's Over

The Cranberries' song 'Wake Me When It's Over' delves into the emotional turmoil of trying to move past a painful experience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with memories that are hard to forget, even though they haven't completely destroyed them. The line 'It hasn't killed you yet, but you cannot let it go' suggests a lingering pain that the person is unable to release, highlighting the difficulty of overcoming past traumas.

The recurring theme of fighting as a futile effort is emphasized in the chorus, where the lyrics state, 'Fighting's not the answer, fighting's not the cure.' This metaphorical battle is compared to a cancer, something that eats away at the person from the inside, slowly but surely. The repetition of 'Wake me when it's over' serves as a plea for relief, a desire to escape the relentless mental and emotional struggle.

The imagery of 'watch the rain drop' adds a layer of melancholy and introspection, symbolizing the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The rain could represent tears or a cleansing process, but in the context of the song, it seems to underscore the ongoing nature of the protagonist's suffering. The Cranberries, known for their poignant and often somber lyrics, use this song to explore themes of pain, memory, and the longing for peace, resonating deeply with anyone who has faced similar emotional battles.