When You're Gone

Album: To The Faithful Departed (1996)
Charted: 22
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Cranberries frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan wrote this song after her grandfather died. Over the years, it took on different meanings for her. "Later on, on tour, when I'd be on the road, I might think about my kids when I was singing it or I might think about my father who passed away," she said in a Songfacts interview. "So, when you're singing a song about loss and then if you're going through bereavement it can take on a new meaning and you think about what you're going through at that particular time with that song."
  • The group recorded this with a doo-wop feel, complete with "Doo-be-da" vocals and finger snaps.
  • The video was directed by Jake Scott, son of Ridley Scott of Alien fame.
  • "When You're Gone" plays in the 2025 season 2 series Bad Sisters in episode 5, where it's used in a scene where the sisters sing it using a home karaoke machine. One of the sisters uses the opportunity to break some major news (we won't spoil it) before returning to the song. The show is set in Ireland, where The Cranberries formed and the song is very popular.

Comments: 1

  • Kinga from UkAccording to other sources it was directed by Kren Bellone
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."