The Cranberries - Linger
Hello! Below you'll find my "Linger" chords & lyrics chart as well as a tutorial video on how to play the piano accompaniment.
This is one of my very favorite songs by The Cranberries. It takes you on quite a journey. There are a lot of instruments on the recording, but it translates well to a solo piano arrangement - I even included some of Paul's amazing bass melodies for the left hand to play, but that's optional :)
Enjoy!
Linger Piano Tutorial
Here's a piano tutorial video for Linger:
Linger Chords & Lyrics
[Intro]
F# F# F# F# F# F# F# F#
D D D D D D D D X4.5
G G G G A A A A
F# F# F# F# F# F# F# F#
D D D D D D D D X4.5
G G G G A A A A
[Instrumental]
| A6 | A6 | Cadd9 | Cadd9 | G | G |
| A6 | A6 | Cadd9 | Cadd9 | G | G |
[Verse 1]
D A6
If you, if you could return, don't let it burn, don't let it fade
Cadd9
I'm sure I might be rude, but it's just your attitude
G
It's tearing me apart, it's ruining everything
D
And I swore, I swore I would be true
D A6
If you, if you could return, don't let it burn, don't let it fade
Cadd9
I'm sure I might be rude, but it's just your attitude
G
It's tearing me apart, it's ruining everything
D
And I swore, I swore I would be true
A6
And honey, so did you
Cadd9
So why were you holding her hand
Cadd9
So why were you holding her hand
Is that the way we stand
G
Were you lying all the time, was it just a game to you
Were you lying all the time, was it just a game to you
[Chorus]
D A6
But I'm in so deep, you know I'm such a fool for you
Cadd9
You got me wrapped around your finger
D A6
But I'm in so deep, you know I'm such a fool for you
Cadd9
You got me wrapped around your finger
G
Do you have to let it linger
Do you have to, do you have to
Do you have to, do you have to
(D)
Do you have to let it linger
[Verse 2]
D A6
Oh, I thought the world of you
Cadd9
I thought nothing could go wrong
D A6
Oh, I thought the world of you
Cadd9
I thought nothing could go wrong
G
But I was wrong, I was wrong
D A6
If you, if you could get by, trying not to lie
D A6
If you, if you could get by, trying not to lie
Cadd9
Things wouldn't be so confused
Things wouldn't be so confused
And I wouldn't feel so used
G
But you always really knew, I just wanna be with you
But you always really knew, I just wanna be with you
[Chorus]
D A6
And I'm in so deep, you know I'm such a fool for you
Cadd9
You got me wrapped around your finger
D A6
And I'm in so deep, you know I'm such a fool for you
Cadd9
You got me wrapped around your finger
G
Do you have to let it linger
Do you have to, do you have to
Do you have to let it linger
Do you have to, do you have to
(D)
Do you have to let it linger
[Instrumental]
| D | D | A6 | A6 | Cadd9 | Cadd9 | G | G |
| D | D | A6 | A6 | Cadd9 | Cadd9 | G | G |
[Chorus]
D A6
And I'm in so deep, you know I'm such a fool for you
Cadd9
You got me wrapped around your finger
D A6
And I'm in so deep, you know I'm such a fool for you
Cadd9
You got me wrapped around your finger
G
Do you have to let it linger
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it
D A6
Linger, you know I'm such a fool for you
Cadd9
You got me wrapped around your finger
G
Do you have to let it linger
Do you have to, do you have to
Do you have to, do you have to
(D)
Do you have to let it linger
[Instrumental]
| D | D | A6 | A6 | Cadd9 | Cadd9 | G | G |
| D | D | A6 | A6 | Cadd9 | Cadd9 | G | G |
[Outro]
| D | D | D | D | D | D |
| D | D | D | D | D | D |
This document is the author's own work and represents his interpretation of this song. It's intended solely for private study, scholarship or research.
This chord chart is here only to support online learning. We recommend buying official transcripts from a licensed and reputable publisher.
Linger Piano Tips
1. Take It Slow: It's counterintuitive, but the quickest way to get comfortable and sound great playing a song is to practice it very slowly at first. Steady rhythm and counting are crucial to sounding like a pro, so let yourself get used to feeling the beat at a slow, easy tempo. Once you can nail "Linger" slowly, *gradually* speed it up. You'll sound much better than if you jumped in at full speed!
2. Use The Pedal Wisely: Utilize the sustain pedal to connect the chords smoothly, timing your lifts with the arrival of a new chord. For help with sustain pedal timing, check out this video.
3. Simplify if need be: "Linger" still sounds great even if you simply hold out the chords and ignore most of the rhythm patterns and extra details in the tutorial video. Feel free to keep it simple, especially if you sing while playing. As you get comfortable, you can always add the fancy stuff later.
