Song meaning of Away by The Cranberries

The song "Away" by The Cranberries, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, delves into themes of longing, pain, and hope. The repeated refrain of "Turn away, turn away from me" suggests a sense of separation or distance between the narrator and their subject, perhaps reflecting a strained relationship or unrequited love. The plea for the other person to turn away could symbolize a desire to shield them from the narrator's own inner turmoil or emotional struggles.

The lines "Another world wrapped up inside another place" hint at a sense of displacement or feeling out of sync with one's surroundings. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling disconnected from reality or struggling to find a sense of belonging. The repetition of "And I hope, and I pray that the pain goes away" underscores the narrator's yearning for relief from their emotional anguish, highlighting a sense of vulnerability and fragility.

The use of the word "pray" throughout the song conveys a sense of desperation and a plea for divine intervention or solace. The repetition of this word emphasizes the depth of the narrator's emotions and their fervent desire for resolution or healing. The song's ethereal instrumentation and Dolores O'Riordan's emotive vocals further enhance the sense of melancholy and introspection conveyed in the lyrics.

Overall, "Away" by The Cranberries is a poignant exploration of inner turmoil, longing, and the search for emotional release. The song's evocative lyrics and haunting melody create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of pain and hope.