Sixty Seconds in Kingdom Come

"Sixty Seconds in Kingdom Come" is an instrumental by U2. It is from The Unforgettable Fire recording sessions. It has been re-released as part of the new re issuing of the album.

Obviously then, the song being an instrumental means there are no lyrics.

"Disappearing Act" Lyrics U2

disappearing act lyrics by u2
The Unforgettable Fire cover artwork - featuring Slane Castle

"Disappearing Act" Lyrics U2


Disappearing Act is a new song that was released by U2 as part of the reissue of The Unforgettable Fire album.

The music is from the original recording sessions with Bono adding new vocal tracks to the song for the reissue - so it's a true mix of old and new. The song used to be known as "White City".

The introduction is classic The Edge style soaring guitars, reminiscent of the I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For chord progression but a little faster.

Bono makes a reference to lepers in the head - a line he recycled for U2's 'One'.

Note too, the line similarity in the Disappearing Act lyric 'lovers in your beds' and 'lepers in your head' that made it on to the One track and the similar themes Bono is exploring in both songs.

Disappearing Act Lyrics:


You do your disappearing act x 2

Silence
I know I could get used to this
Cunning
Your scent is something I'm not going to miss
Excite
It's a small price to pay for bliss
Alone
Like a painter's dog without a bone
When there's only one thing you need to own
And that is hunger
Hunger itself

I know we'll pick and wrench
Your night just ripped and it is torn to shreds
From all the lovers taken to your beds
They're empty now
And you think that you can love
And you think that you can love
And you think that you can love
Someone into home

You do your disappearing act
You do your disappearing act

Jealousy
It's not what it's cracked up to be
Envy
Gets you where you need to be
Alone
Rather the river than your stepping stones
Leave the graveyard before you turn to bones
I'm tragic, your comedy
Oh, baby doll
The dogs are barking, they need to be fed
All of the lepers your let in your head
Is it empty now
'Cause you think you can love
And you think that you can love
And you think that you can love
Someone into home

You do your disappearing act x 2

Check out Yoshino Blossom which was also released as part of the 25th Anniversary rerelease of The Unforgettable Fire.

Other pages you may be interested in:

"Yoshino Blossom" Lyrics U2

pink yoshino blossom


"Yoshino Blossom" Lyrics U2

Yoshino Blossom is a new song that was released by U2 as part of the reissue of The Unforgettable Fire album. The song itself is an instrumental so there are no lyrics!

Yoshino Blossom presumably refers to the Japanese Cherry Blossoms and this is perhaps the clue that the instrumental is to evoke ideas of the atomic bombs being dropped on Japan and hence U2 using the title for the album and the song, The Unforgettable Fire.

The actual Unforgettable Fire was an art exhibition which reflected on the effects of the bombs.

Also released at the same time as this song was Disappearing Act.

U2 would later revisit the topic of the Atomic Bomb with the album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.

Check out some more pages on the meaning of U2 lyrics: U2 lyrics that explore Jesus, Yahweh and The Good Book, how Elvis was the King, or U2 songs that name check real people.

"Lady With The Spinning Head" Lyrics U2


"Lady With The Spinning Head" Lyrics U2


Lady with the Spinning Head was a song left over from the Achtung Baby recording sessions. Keen listeners will note its similarity to The Fly. The song was released as a B-side to the single, One.

The lyrics possibly refer to taking a chance, or gambling....the spinning lady could be the roulette wheel found in a casino or is possibly 'lady luck' as suggested in the first line.

Lady with the Spinning Head Lyrics:

Here she comes, lady luck again
Figure of eight, six and nine again
My lady with the spinning head
Whatever the deal she won't let me down
Wherever I go she's always hanging round
My lady with the spinning head

Lady with the spinning head
Lady with the spinning head
Oh yeah

She's been gone but I knew she'd be back
She's got the rent, she put me in the black
The lady with the spinning head
If I ever let go, she'd cure my blues
She's the one in the Chinese shoes
Lady with the spinning head
I'm on top when she's around
Shes my ticket out of town
Lady with the spinning head

Lady with the spinning head
Lady with the spinning head
Lady with the spinning head
Lady with the spinning head

Here she comes, lady luck again
Figures
Here she comes
Figure of eight, six and nine again

U2's "Two Shots Of Happy, One Shot Of Sad" song lyrics as sung by Nancy Sinatra



"Two Shots Of Happy, One Shot Of Sad" song lyrics by U2 and Nancy Sinatra

"Two Shots Of Happy, One Shot Of Sad" song lyrics by U2 and Nancy Sinatra


Written as a gift for Frank Sinatra, Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad was released as a B-Side to If God Will Send His Angels, a single from U2's Pop album.

It is a jazzy lounge song written in the style of the music Sinatra is known for. Recorded for Sinatra's 80th birthday. It was played for him in a televised birthday tribute in 1995. It has a string arrangement by Craig Armstrong.

Frank never actually recorded the song Sinatra's daughter Nancy recorded a version of Two Shots which had Adam and Larry on the rhythm section.

Bono and Frank did duet on 'I've got you under my skin' which can be found on the popular Duets album or as the b-side to the Stay (Faraway, So Close!) single from Zooropa.

Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad Lyrics:


Two shots of happy, one shot of sad
You think I'm no good, well I know I've been bad
Took you to a place, now you can't get back
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad

Walk together down a dead end street
We were mixing the bitter with the sweet
Don't try to figure out what we might have had
Just two shots of happy, one shot of sad

I'm just a singer, some say a sinner
Rollin' the dice, not always a winner
You say I've been lucky, well hell, I made my own
Not part of the crowd but not feeling alone

Under pressure but not bent out of shape
Surrounded, we always found an escape
Drove me to drink but hey, thats not all bad
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad

Guess I've been greedy all of my life
Greedy with my children, my lovers, my wife
Greedy for the good things as well as the bad
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad

Maybe it's just talk, saloon singing
The chairs are all stacked, the swingers stopped swinging
You say I hurt you, you put the finger on yourself
Then after you did it you came crying for my help

Two shots of happy, one shot of sad
I'm not complaining, baby, I'm glad
You call it compromise, well, what's that
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad
Two shots of happy, one shot of sad

U2's New York song was also written with The Chairman of the Board in mind.

"Smile" Lyrics U2




"Smile" Lyrics U2

Smile is from the Medium, Rare & Remastered compilation album of rarities and remastered tracks by the biggest band in the land, U2. The album was available to members of U2.com.

Smile Lyrics:

Gravity, it's not pulling me
I won't be a picture with no sound
Decaying, I'm praying
You are my air
But I need the ground to kneel upon
And love can't be us all
I don't want to see you smile

I'm breaking it, taking it
I'm breaking slowly in my mind
I'm seeing it, free in it
I know love is in this soul of mine
It's not in your eyes
I don't want
I don't want to see you smile

It started light-hearted
I won't be easier like you said
I'm going, flowing
I'm leaving on the day
Of the day I will live again
You will live again
I don't want to see you smile

God knows, He knows me
Knows me, lonely
You see, hear me, love
Say it again
You're not blind
The smoke machine
Is yours, not mine
I don't want to see you smile

I will live again
You will live again
I just don't want to see you smile

"Slide Away" Lyrics U2




"Slide Away" Lyrics U2

Slide Away was performed by Bono on the Micheal Hutchence album which was released poshumously. Bono wrote the lyrics. Bono had empathy with/for Hutchence and wrote Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of with him in mind.

Slide Away Lyrics:

Are you gonna wake again
Are you gonna take it down
Oh babe, I don't wanna deal it
Oh, make it alright
Gimme some, my love
Away, away, away

I just want to slide away and come alive again
I just want to slide away and come alive again
I will see that love again and find a life again
I just want to slide away and come alive again

I wanted to let it go
I just couldn't let it go
I wanted to let it go
I just couldn't let you go
I would catch you
I'd catch you as you fall
I would catch you
I'd catch you if I heard your call
But you tore a hole in space like a dark star falls from grace
You burn across the sky and I'd find you wings to fly
And I would catch you
And I would catch your fall

I just want to slide away and come alive again
I just want to slide away and come alive again
I will see that love again and find a life again
I just want to slide away and come alive again

I just want to slide away and come alive again
Call me, slide away, calling me
I just want to slide away and come alive again
Calling, say gain, calling, call me
I will see that love again and find a life again
Calling again, falling, falling to night
I just want to slide away and come alive again
Calling, falling, I'd find a way

"Slow Dancing" Lyrics U2



"Slow Dancing" Lyrics U2

The song "Slow Dancing" was originally a B-Side to the 1993 single "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)". It is an acoustic song, and only Bono and The Edge perform on this track.

"Slow dancing" was also released as a B-side to U2's 1997 single If God Will Send His Angels. This version featured country singer Willie Nelson.


Slow Dancing Lyrics:

My love is cruel as the night
She steals the sun and shuts out the light
All of my colors, they turn to blue
Win or lose

She does it slow dancing
Slow dancing
She does it slow dancing
All night long

Scarlet eyes and a see-through heart
She saw me coming right from the start
She picked me up but had me down on my knees
Just a-begging her
Begging her please

Take me slow dancing
Slow dancing
She took me slow dancing
All night long

And I don't know why a man
Search for himself in his lover's eyes
No, I don't know why a man
Sees the truth but needs the lies

My love is restless as the wind
She moves like a shadow across my skin
She left with my conscience
I don't want it back
It just gets in the way

If you wanna go slow dancing
Slow dancing
She took me slow dancing
All night long
Slow dancing
Slow dancing
Slow

"Love Comes Tumbling" Lyrics U2


"Love Comes Tumbling" Lyrics U2 (version I)

Apparently there were three versions of Love Comes Tumbling? Either way, this version appeared on the U2 EP Wide Awake in America which featured Bad, A Sort of Home Coming and The Three Sunrises.

Love Comes Tumbling Lyrics

Love don't need to find a way
You find your own way
I forget that I can't stay
And so I say that

All roads lead to where you are
All roads lead to where you are

The seed is spilled, the bed defiled
For you, a virgin bride
Hide yourself in someone else
Don't find yourself in me

I can't lift you up again
Love comes tumbling down again

Love don't need to find a way
You find your own way
I forget that you can stay
And so I say that

All roads lead to where you are
All roads lead to where you are

"The Three Sunrises" Lyrics U2

U2's Three Sunrises Lyrics


"The Three Sunrises" song lyrics by U2



Three Sunrises was released on the U2 EP Wide Awake in America which featured Bad and A Sort of Home Coming from The Unforgettable Fire and Love Comes Tumbling.

The Three Sun Rises Lyrics:

Spirit of the rising sun, lift me up
Hold me there and never let me fall
Love me 'til I die, my heart won't wait
Soon I will be done

In this love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

Hey, hey, love won't find
Find it's own way home

In this love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

Sunshine, sunshine on me
Sunshine, sunshine on me

In this love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

Hey, hey, love won't find
Find it's way home

In this love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

Sunshine on me
Bring it through to my home
I would give you everything
I will give you my desire

Sunshine, sunshine on me
Sunshine, sunshine on me

"Satellite Of Love" Lyrics Lou Reed sung by Milla Jocovich










"Satellite Of Love" Lyrics by Lou Reed

This song is a classic track by Lou Reed from his famous Transformer album. Featuring on The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack. It features Bono on backing vocals with Mrs Resident Evil Milla Jovovich on lead.

Lyrics:

Satellite's gone up to the sky
Things like that drive me out of my mind
I watched it for a little while
I love to watch things on TV

Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love

Satellite's gone, way up to Mars
It's alright, it's alright
Soon it will be filled with parking cars
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
I watched it for a little while
It's alright
I like to watch things on TV

Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love

It's alright, satellite, satellite of love
I've been told, baby, that you've been bold, baby
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
You've been bold, you've been bold
With Harry, Mark and John

Satellite's gone up to the sky
Things like that
Things like that drive me out of my mind
I watched it for a little while

Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love

Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Friday
Satellite of love
Wednesday, Monday, Friday, Tuesday
Satellite of love
Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Friday
Satellite of love
Wednesday, Monday, Friday, Tuesday
Satellite of love
Monday, Friday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Satellite of love
Wednesday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday
Satellite of love
Tuesday

Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love
Satellite of love

"Dancing Shoes" Lyrics U2



















"Dancing Shoes" Lyrics U2

This song is performed by Bono and the Million Dollar Hotel Band for the movie, The Million Dollar Hotel.

Dancing Shoes Lyrics:

I know you're so sad
So sad you can't cry
But I know you let go
Although you can't remember why

Your lipstick don't fit
Your strap's coming loose
You're out in the hall
Waltzing the blues
Now you hurt somewhere
They won't find a bruise
You've been learning to walk
In those dancin' shoes

I had a mama
She told me 'bout you
She said true love don't lie
You touch that woman
And the smoke won't leave your eyes

You're talking your walk
'Cause you can't refuse
Learning to walk
In those dancin' shoes
Now you hurt somewhere
They won't find a bruise
Learning to walk
In those dancin' shoes

"Falling At Your Feet" Lyrics U2





"Falling At Your Feet" Lyrics U2













This song was written and performed by Bono and long-time U2 producer Daniel Lanois for The Million Dollar Hotel movie soundtrack.

Falling at Your Feet Lyrics:

Every chip from every cup

Every promise given up

Every reason that's not enough

Is falling, falling at your feet




Every band elastic limit

Every race when there's nothing in it

Every winner that's lost a ticket

Is falling, falling at your feet

I've come crawling, falling at your feet




Every one who needs a friend

Every life that has no end

Every knee not ready to bend

Is falling, falling at your feet

I've come crawling, now I'm falling at your feet




All fall down

All the manic days, faces that pull

All fall down

All the x-rays not under your control

All fall down

The graphitti running down for futile

All fall down

And the compromise you make for someone




Every teenager with acne

Every face that's spoiled by beauty

Ever adult tamed by duty

Are all falling at your feet




Every foot in every face

Every cop stop who finds the grace

Every prisoner in the maze

Every hand that needs an ace

Is falling, falling at your feet

I've come crawling, I'm falling at your feet




All fall down

All the books you never read

All fall down

Just started

All fall down

All the meals you rushed

All fall down

And never tasted




Every eye closed by a bruise

Every plan that just can't lose

Every pop star hurling abuse

Every drunk back on the booze

All falling at your feet

I'm falling at your feet




All fall down

All the information

All fall down

All the big ideas

All fall down

All the radio waves

All fall down

Electronic seas

All fall down

How to navigate

All fall down

How to simply be

All fall down

The truth knows when to wait

All fall down

Explained simplicity

All fall down

In whom shall I trust

All fall down

How might I be still

All fall down

Teach me to surrender

Not my will

Thy will

"Stateless" Lyrics U2























"Stateless" Lyrics U2

Stateless is from The Million Dollar Hotel soundtrack for which Bono played a major contribution.

Stateless Lyrics:

I've got no home in this world
Just gravity, luck, and time
I've got no home in this world
Just you and you are not mine

Stateless
Weightless
Stateless

Such a girl

There are no colors in your eye
There's no sunshine in your sky
There's no race, only the prize
There is no tomorrow, only tonight

Stateless
It's the difference

You can cover a world with your thumb
Still so big, so bright, so beautiful

Weightless
Stateless

Push down on me
Push down on me
A weight now
A weight down on me
Your weight down
Be the weight, hard
Down on me
Be the heavy hand
The wall of sand
Be the weight, hard
Down on me

Stateless
Weightless
Hateless

"Never Let Me Go" Lyrics U2



















"Never Let Me Go" Lyrics U2

Never Let Me Go was written and performed by Bono and the Million Dollar Hotel Band for The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack

Spoken Text:

Wow, after I jumped, it occured to me: life is perfect. Life is the best, full of magic and beauty, opportunity and television, and surprises, lots of surprises, yeah. And then there's the best stuff, of course, better than anything anyone ever made up 'cause it's real.


Lyrics proper:

You take a stranger by the hand

A man who doesn't understand his wildest dreams

You walk across the dirty sand

And offer him an ocean of what he's never seen




Maybe I was blind

Or I might have closed my eyes

Maybe I was dumb

But what forgot to say

If you didn't know

Is never let me go

Never let me go

Never let me go

Never let me go




You run from love and don't believe

Unless it catches you by the heel

And even then, you struggle

From red island across the strand

Your footprints still there in the sand

Everything else washed away


I may not be alone

Or I may have found my home

I may have lost my way

But what I forgot to say

If you didn't know

Is never let me go

Never let me go

Never let me go

Bible references in U2 Song Lyrics

U2's incorporation of biblical references and lessons into their lyrics is a profound aspect of their songwriting, offering a layer of spiritual depth that transcends conventional rock music themes. This use of biblical allusions not only reflects the personal beliefs of the band members, particularly Bono, but also serves to elevate their music to a plane where spiritual inquiry and rock 'n' roll coexist. The band's engagement with these themes is not just a nod to Christianity; it's an exploration of universal questions about faith, morality, and the human condition.

At the heart of U2's use of biblical themes is a desire to intertwine the spiritual with the secular, creating a dialogue between faith and real-world issues. Songs like "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" from their seminal album "The Joshua Tree" exemplify this blend. The song, with its gospel-tinged melody, speaks of a spiritual journey that is both personal and universal, reflecting a quest for meaning and fulfillment beyond material success. The lyrics, "I have spoken with the tongue of angels/I have held the hand of a devil," illustrate the struggle between good and evil, a central theme in many biblical narratives.

u2 coexist logo bible references
Just do it.



Through their use of biblical quotes and lessons, U2 invites listeners to explore spiritual dimensions within the context of their music. This approach not only augments their lyrics with deeper meaning but also allows the band to engage with their audience on a more profound level. Whether one is a believer or not, the spiritual undercurrent in U2's music offers a rich tapestry of thought and emotion, prompting reflection on larger existential questions and the role of faith in the modern world.

Here's a list of biblical references U2 have made in their lyrics. It was compiled by Angela Pancella from the fantastic U2 resource, @U2. I've taken the list and made some changes to the links, but the content is still mostly based upon Angela' work.

I do note that some of the supposed bible references are tenuous. If Bono is talking bout a blind man it doesn't necessarily follow he was refering to a blind man in the bible...they are perhaps more likley coincidences, but as I said, it's about lyrical interpretation!

Biblical References in U2 songs, list by album.

"Another Day" Lyrics U2

another day u2

"Another Day" Lyrics U2

Another Day was U2's first ever single release and was limited to Ireland. It was not put on a U2 album until Boy was reissued in 2008.


Another Day Lyrics:

Wake up, the dawn of another dull day
Take up your dreams and on your way
Daylight, mother stands in the hall
Last night, head against the wall

When night turns to day and the children come out to play
Another day
Stop, shout
They come my way

Boy, salute in a street uniform
Toy, soldier ripped and torn

When night turns to day and the children come out to play
Another day
Stop, shout
They come my way

"Night and Day" Lyrics U2


"Night and Day" Lyrics U2 (Steel String mix)

This lyrics of song was written by Cole Porter, U2 covered 'merely' covered it! ;) U2 probably recorded it because of Bono's bromance with Frank Sinatra. Sinatra himself recorded Night and Day five times. The reason however U2 recorded it was so it could go on the Red Hot and Blue, an AIDS charity album that featured songs by Cole Porter.

Night and Day Lyrics:

The tom-tom when the jungle shadows fall
Like the tick tick tock of the eye of the clock
You're standing up against the wall
Like the drip drip drip of the raindrops
When the summer shower's through
So a voice within me keeps repeating you you

Night and day you are the one
Only you beneath the moon and under the sun
Whether near to me or far
It's no matter, baby, where you are
I think of you night and day

Day and night, why is it so
That this longing for you follows wherever I go
In the roaring traffic boom
In the silence of my lonely room
I think of you, night and day

Night and day under the hide of me
There's an, oh, such a hungry yearning
Burning inside of me
And its torment won't be through
Till you let me spend my life making love to you
Day and night, night and day

Night and day

Night and day under the hide of me
Oh such a hungry yearning burning
Burning inside of me
And this torment won't be through
Till you let me spend my life making love to you
Day and night, night and day

Night and day, night and day
Night and day
Night, night, night and day
Night, night, night and day
Night and day, night
Night and day, night and day
I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
How I miss you baby
Sing it
Night and day

The "Sweetest Thing" Song Lyrics by U2

The "Sweetest Thing" Song Lyrics by U2



"Sweetest Thing" Lyrics by U2


Originally a b-side for U2's Where the Streets Have No Name single which featured on the mega selling The Joshua Tree album.

The song was allegedly written by singer Bono as an apology to his wife Ali Hewson for forgetting her birthday during the recording of The Joshua Tree sessions.

At Alison's request, profits from the Sweetest Thing song went to her favoured charity, Chernobyl Children's Project International which presumably Bono agreed to with good grace...

In U2's typical mischievous style, the cover of the single in features a gas mask, perhaps in relation to the charity and a reference to U2's concerns about nuclear issues which have featured in many of their songs such as Fast Cars.

U2's Sweetest Thing lyrics:


My love, she throws me like a rubber ball
Oh, the sweetest thing
But she won't catch me or break my fall
Oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this, I'm a raincloud
You know she wants a dry kind of love
Oh, the sweetest thing

I'm losin' you
I'm losin' you
Ain't love the sweetest thing

I wanted to run but she made me crawl
Oh, the sweetest thing
Eternal fire, she turned me to straw
Oh, the sweetest thing
I know I got black eyes
But they burn so brightly for her
I guess it's a blind kind of love
Oh, the sweetest thing

I'm losin' you
I'm losin' you
Ain't love the sweetest thing
Ain't love the sweetest thing

I'm sorry for it, really
It's something new

Blue-eyed boy meets a brown-eyed girl
Oh, the sweetest thing
You can sew it up but you still see the tear
Oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this, I'm a raincloud
Ours is a stormy kind of love
Oh, the sweetest thing

The sweetest thing
Oh, the sweetest thing

U2's "Electrical Storm" lyrics

U2's "Electrical Storm" song lyrics


"Electrical Storm" song lyrics by U2


"Electrical Storm" is the only single from U2's second compilation album, The Best of 1990–2000, and one of the two new songs recorded for that album (the other one being the Oscar nominated "The Hands That Built America").

Electrical Storm had never been played live by U2 until it debuted on the 360 degree Tour in Barcelona.

The song's lyrics are about two lovers who are fighting and the tension between them. The electrical storm that is coming is the metaphor for the relationship.

Electrical Storm Lyrics:


The sea, it swells like a sore head
And the night, it is aching
Two lovers lie with no sheets on their bed
And the day, it is breaking
On rainy days we go swimming out
On rainy days swimming in the sound
On rainy days we go swimming out

You're in my mind all of the time
I know that's not enough
If the sky can crack
There must be some way back
For love and only love

Car alarm won't let you back to sleep
You're kept awake dreaming someone else's dream
Coffee's cold but it'll get you through
Compromise, that's nothing new to you
Let's see colours that have never been seen
Let's go to places no one else has been

You're in my mind all of the time
I know that's not enough
Well, if the sky can crack there must be some way back
To love and only love
Electrical storm
Electrical storm
Electrical storm
Baby, don't cry

It's hot as hell, honey, in this room
Sure hope the weather will break soon
The air is heavy, heavy as a truck
Need the rain to wash away our bad luck

Well, if the sky can crack there must be some way back
For love and only love
Electrical storm
Electrical storm
Electrical storm

Baby, don't cry
Baby, don't cry
Baby, don't cry
Baby, don't cry

"The Hands That Built America" song lyrics by U2

gangs of new york U2 soundtrack lyrics


U2's "The Hands That Built America" song lyrics from Gangs of New York


The Hands that Built America was featured on the soundtrack to the Martin Scorsese film Gangs of New York . It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 75th Academy Awards but lost to Eminem's "Lose Yourself." from the 8 Mile movie. It did win the less coveted Golden Globe for original song.

"The Hands That Built America" is a song about New York (hence its use on the film).

The first verse of the song makes reference to the Irish Potato Famine, and the resulting emigration of hundreds of thousands of Irish people to the United States.

The second and third verse lyrics relate to the quintessential American Dream, and the ideals that hard work can bring a person prosperity. The final verse is about the terrorist attacks of September 11th.

"The Hands That Built America" lyrics from U2


Oh, my love, it's a long way we've come
From the freckled hills to the steel and glass canyons
From the stony fields to hanging steel from sky
From digging in our pockets for a reason not to say goodbye

These are the hands that built America
Wishing and dreaming for something better
America
Wishing and dreaming

Last saw your face in a watercolor sky
As sea birds argue, a long goodbye
I took your kiss on the spray of the new land star
You gotta live with your dreams, don't make them so hard

And these are the hands that built America
It's a journey, it's a journey
America
Wishing, wishing

Of all the promises, is this one we could keep
Of all of the dreams, is this one still out of reach
Halle, holy

It's early fall, there's a cloud on the New York skyline
Innocence dragged across a yellow line

These are the hands that built America
These are the hands that built America
America
America

U2 was also Oscar nominated for Ordinary Love but also didn't win.

"Tower Of Song" Lyrics Leonard Cohen sung by U2


"Tower Of Song" Lyrics Leonard Cohen sung by U2

Tower of Song was written by Leonard Cohen and was recorded by U2 for soundtrack to the movie I'm Your Man. It appeared as a b-side on the Window in the Skies single.

Tower of Song Lyrics

Well my friends are gone and my hair is grey
I ache in the places where I used to play
And I'm crazy for love but I'm not coming on
Im just paying my rent every day
In the tower of song

I said to Hank Williams, how lonely does it get
Hank Williams hasn't answered yet
But I hear him coughing all night long
All hundred floors above me
In the tower of song

I was born like this, I had no choice
I was born with the gift of a golden voice
And twenty-seven angels from the great beyond
Well, they tied me to this table right here
In the tower of song

So you can stick your little pins in that voodoo doll
I'm very sorry, baby, doesnt look like me at all
I'm standing by the window where the light is strong
Ah, they dont let a woman kill you
Not in the tower of song

Well you can say that I've grown bitter but of this you may be sure
The rich have got their channels in the bedrooms of the poor
And there's a mighty judgement coming, but I may be wrong
You see, you hear these funny voices
In the tower of song

I see you standing on the other side
I don't know how the river got so wide
I loved you baby, way back when
And all the bridges are burning that we might have crossed
I feel so close to everything that we lost
We'll never, we'll never have to lose it again

So I bid you farewell, I don't know when I'll be back
There moving us tomorrow to that tower down the track
But you'll be hearing from me, baby, long after I'm gone
I'll be speaking to you sweetly
From a window in the tower of song

Yeah my friends are gone and my hair is grey
I ache in the places where I used to play
And I'm crazy for love but I'm not coming on
I'm just paying my rent every day
In the tower of song

"Window In The Skies" Lyrics U2




"Window In The Skies" Lyrics U2

In the promotional video directed by Gary Koepke, a montage that includes nearly 100 clips taken from footage from the previous 50 years of other famous musicians performing in concert is used. The clips were selected and edited together so that either the lip movements or the finger movements of the musicians, who actually were performing other songs, match up with either the lyrics or the music of the U2 song. Artists in the video include Jack White (who appeared in It Might Get Loud with the Edge), Frank Sinatra, Beck and Chuck D.

Windows in the Skies Lyrics:

The shackles are undone

The bullets quit the gun
The heat that's in the sun
Will keep us when it's done
The rule has been disproved
The stone, it has been moved
The grave is now a grove
All debts are removed

Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see what love has done
What it's doing to me

Love makes strange enemies
Makes love where love may please
The soul and its striptease
Hate brought to its knees
The sky over our head
We can reach it from our bed
If you let me in your heart
And out of my head

Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see what love has done
What it's doing to me

Please don't ever let me out of here
I've got no shame
Oh no, oh no

Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see
Oh, can't you see what love has done
What it's doing to me

Oh, can't you see what love has done
I know I hurt you and I made you cry
Oh, can't you see what love has done
Did everything but murder you and I
Oh, can't you see what love has done
But love left a window in the skies
Oh, can't you see what love has done
And to love I rhapsodize

Oh, can't you see what love has done
To every broken heart
Oh, can't you see what love has done
For every heart that cries
Oh, can't you see what love has done
Love left a window in the skies
Oh, can't you see what love has done
And to love I rhapsodize

Oh, can't you see

"The Saints Are Coming" lyrics by U2 and Greenday


bono and billie saints are coming

"The Saints Are Coming" song lyrics by U2

The Saints are Coming was originally by The Skids. Originally when the song was written by Richard Jobson the lyrics were about a friend of his who had recently joined the British Army, and been killed on tour of duty in Northern Ireland.

When released as a well recieved collaboration between Green Day and U2, the song was a charity single to benefit people affected by the damage caused by the now infamous Hurriance Katrina.

The Saints features the lyrics / verse of the House of the Rising Sun by the Animals at the start, a none too subtle reference to New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina.

The Saints are Coming Lyrics:

There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
It's been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God, I know I'm one

I cried to my daddy on the telephone
How long now
Until the clouds unroll and you come home
The line went
But the shadows still remain since your descent
Your descent

I cried to my daddy on the telephone
How long now
Until the clouds unroll and you come home
The line went
But the shadows still remain since your descent
Your descent

Boom-cha hey

The saints are coming, the saints are coming
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply
The saints are coming, the saints are coming
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply

A drowning sorrow floods the deepest grief
How long now
Until a weather change condemns belief
How long now
When the night watchman lets in the thief
What's wrong now

Boom-cha hey

The saints are coming, the saints are coming
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply
The saints are coming, the saints are coming

I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply


Check out the lyrics to Ordinary Love by U2.

Green Day have a new song called Bang Bang.

"Elvis Ate America" song lyrics by U2

"Elvis Ate America" Lyrics U2


This song features Howie B. on backing vocals to the 'Elvis' call for sorts for Bono to respond to.

Elvis has long been a fascination of Bono's, making reference to him in the similar titled song Elvis Presley and America from the album The Unforgettable Fire.


Elvis Ate America song lyrics

Elvis, white trash
Elvis the Memphis flash
Elvis didn't smoke hash
Woulda been a sissy without Johnny Cash
Elvis didn't dodge the draft
Elvis had his own aircraft
Elvis having a laugh
On Lisa Marie in a colour photograph
Elvis under the hood
Elvis with Cadillac blood
Elvis, darling bud
Flowered and returned to the Mississippi mud
Elvis ain't gonna rot
Elvis in a Memphis plot
Elvis, he didn't hear the shot Dr. King died just across the lot from
Elvis, vanilla ice cream
Elvis, girls of fourteen
Elvis, the Memphis spleen
Shooting TVs, reading Corinthians thirteen
Elvis with God on his knees
Elvis owned three TVs
Here come the killer bees
Head full of honey potato chips and cheese
Elvis, the bumper stickers
Elvis, the white knickers
Elvis, the white [word removed]
Ate a king burger and just kept getting bigger
Elvis sang to win
Elvis, the battle hymn
Elvis, the battle to be slim
Elvis ate America before America ate him
Elvis
Elvis stamps
Elvis necromance
Elvis fans
Elvis sycophants
Elvis the public enemy
Elvis don't mean shit to Chuck D.
Elvis changed the center of gravity
Made it slippy
Elvis, Hitler
Elvis, Nixon
Elvis, Christ
Elvis, Mishima
Elvis, Markus
Elvis, Jackson
Elvis the pelvis
Elvis the psalmist
Elvis the genius
Elvis, generous
Elvis, forgive us
Elvis, pray for us
Elvis Aaron
Elvis Presley
Elvis

Check out this page about the influence of Elvis on U2.

"Corpse (These Chains Are Way Too Long)" Lyrics U2


"Corpse (These Chains Are Way Too Long)" Lyrics U2

From the Passengers album, Original Soundtracks Vol 1

Lyrics

Hey, see you soon
Sail through your room
I'll meet you there

Hey, be my friend
Stay till the end
Don't walk away
Hey, hey, baby

Hey, take it all
Don't talk that way
Don't hear my lover say
Hey, baby

Chains move that thing
Chains we can't see
My chains way too long
Chains this
Chains move that thing
Chains we can't see
Chains are way too long
And hear my song
Hear my song

"One Minute Warning" Lyrics U2


"One Minute Warning" Lyrics U2

One Minute Warning is from U2's experimental album Passengers, Original Soundtracks Vol 1. The song was used in the anime film Ghost in the Shell.

Lyrics:

A lonesome soul
In an old black boat
A lonesome frown
What a way to go
Chains they go to
The strings to hold
In in an old black coat
A lonesome soul
A lonesome soul
A lonesome soul

"Ito Okashi" (Something Interesting) Lyrics U2

"Ito Okashi" (Something Interesting) Lyrics U2  fearing the vovals of Holi



Sung by Japanese singer Akiko Kobayashi better known as Holi. The song appears on Passenger's Original Soundtracks Vol. 1.

Ito Okashi Lyrics:

Utsukushiki mononi tuite katarimasho
Chikyujono anatano sugu chikakuno
Omomukino arumononi tuite
Muneno kodoo takameru monono yoni
Kito narikaga ito okashi

English translation of the Japanese lyrics:

Let's talk about something beautiful
On the face of this earth, something very close to you
About something that is tasteful
Like something that makes the heartbeat faster
Certainly something is very interesting

"Always Forever Now" was a pretty interesting song by the Passengers. Check it out!

"Miss Sarajevo" Song Lyrics by U2 / Passengers

The only song from Original Soundtracks Vol 1 that can be truly described as a 'classic' U2 song, Miss Sarajevo was the song that served to promote the documentary of the same name

The song is a poignant reflection on the Bosnian War, particularly the Siege of Sarajevo. Released in 1995, during the height of the conflict, the song combines rock and operatic elements to create a powerful commentary on the war's impact on ordinary lives. The collaboration itself is symbolic, merging the contemporary sound of U2 with the classical mastery of Pavarotti, embodying a call for unity and understanding across different cultures and musical traditions. The song's title and theme were inspired by a beauty pageant held during the siege, an event that became a striking symbol of resistance and defiance against the backdrop of war. 

The lyrics of "Miss Sarajevo" are deeply evocative, portraying the stark contrast between the mundane aspects of daily life and the horrors of war. Bono's verses paint vivid pictures of ordinary activities – "Is there a time for keeping your distance, a time to turn your eyes away" – juxtaposed against the brutal reality of the conflict – "Is there a time for kohl and lipstick, a time for cutting hair." 

This juxtaposition highlights the resilience and determination of the citizens of Sarajevo, who strove to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst chaos. 

The song's chorus, sung by Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti in Italian, adds a layer of universal appeal, transcending language barriers to convey a message of sorrow and hope. Pavarotti's powerful operatic voice lends a sense of gravitas and emotional depth to the song, emphasizing the tragedy of the war and the enduring spirit of those affected by it.

Miss Sarajevo lyrics from U2 - Passengers:


Is there a time for keeping your distance
A time to turn your eyes away
Is there a time for keeping your head down
For getting on with the day
Is there a time for kohl and lipstick
A time for cutting hair
Is there a time for high street shopping
To find the right dress to wear

Here she comes
Heads turn around
Here she comes
To take her crown

Is there a time to run for cover
A time for kiss and tell
Is there a time for different colours
Different names you find it hard to spell
Is there a time for first communion
A time for East 17
Is there a time to turn to Mecca
Is there a time to be a beauty queen

Here she comes
Beauty plays the clown
Here she comes
Surreal in her crown

Pavarotti's part in Italian:

Dici che il fiume trova la via al mare
E come il fiume giungerai a me
Oltre i confini e le terre assetate
Dici che come fiume
Come fiume l'amore giungera
L'amore e non so piu pregare
E nell'amore non so piu sperare
E quell'amore non so piu aspettare

Is there a time for tying ribbons
A time for Christmas trees
Is there a time for laying tables
And the night is set to freeze

English translation of the Italian lyrics Pavarotti sang:

You say that as a river finds its way to the sea
And as the river you'll find your way back to me
Beyond the borders and the thirsty lands
You say that as the river
As the river, you say that love will find a way
But love, I'm not a praying man
And in love I can't believe any more
And for love I can't wait any more


The inspiration for "Miss Sarajevo" came from an actual beauty pageant held in 1993 in the besieged city of Sarajevo. This event, with its tagline "Don't let them kill us," was a poignant act of defiance by the citizens, a declaration of life and beauty amidst destruction. The pageant, which included contestants holding a banner with the aforementioned slogan, was a stark reminder that amidst the horror of war, the human spirit and the desire for normalcy persist. 

This act of bravery and defiance in the face of adversity struck a chord with the members of U2 and Brian Eno, leading to the creation of the song. It was a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the people of Sarajevo and a commentary on the absurdity and tragedy of war.

"Miss Sarajevo" is more than just a song; it is a historical document and a poignant reminder of the Bosnian War's impact on civilians. The collaboration between rock musicians and an operatic legend serves as a metaphor for unity and the power of art to bridge divides. The song's blend of English and Italian lyrics, its haunting melody, and its evocative imagery combine to create a powerful message of resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit. 

It stands as a testament to the role of artists in responding to and documenting historical events, and as a call to never forget the lessons of history. In the broader scope of U2's work, "Miss Sarajevo" continues to resonate as a poignant example of the band's commitment to addressing social and political issues through their music.

Check out lyrics to "One Minute Warning" and the totally creepy "Corpse (These Chains are Way too Long)" also from the Passengers album.

"Beach Sequence" Lyrics U2



"Beach Sequence" Lyrics U2 / Passengers
Four words is all you get for the lyrics of Beach Sequence from Original Soundtracks Vol 1

Time
Shoots on by

Check out the lyrics to Miss Sarajevo

"A Different Kind Of Blue" Lyrics by U2 / Passengers




"A Different Kind Of Blue" Lyrics  by U2 / Passengers
Probably in part a vague reference to Miles Davis' Kind of Blue Jazz album, I have no idea what else the lyrics mean other than some lofty menaning of being up in the blue sky....

A Different Kind of Blue Lyrics

Those cars, all new
So small down there
From here so high
We drift, we fly

With the twilight breaking through
A different kind of blue

More lights, blue signs
All gold, all new
So small, so high
Down there tonight

With the twilight breaking though
It's a different kind of blue
With the twilight breaking through
It's a different kind of blue

A different Kind of Blue, waswritten and performed by U2 and Brian Eno, features lead vocals from Eno.

Check out some more lyrics from Passengers - "Miss Sarajevo" and "Ito Okashi"

"Always Forever Now" Lyrics Passengers/U2

passengers



"Always Forever Now" Lyrics U2/Passengers

Consisting only of three words repeated in various combinations, thus song is possibly the most simple lyric U2 have released since Scarlet. Always Forever Now" appeared only briefly in the film Micheal Man film Heat, but managed to make its way onto the Heat soundtrack. As with the rest fof Original Soundtracks, the liner notes make some anagram based jokes or references via supposedly credited players:


"Venda Davis" – an anagram of David Evans, the real name of The Edge
"Tanya McLoad" – an anagram of Adam Clayton
"Kiley Sue LaLonne" – an anagram of Anne-Louise Kelly, the album's production manager
"Pi Hoo Sun" – a phonetic spelling of P. Hewson, referring to Bono's real name, Paul Hewson






Lyrics:



Always, always, always forever now
Always, always, always forever now

Always forever
Always forever now
Always forever
Always, always

Always forever
Always forever now
Always forever now
Always forever now
Always forever now
Always, always

Always forever now
Always forever now
Always forever now
Always, always

Check out more Passengers lyrics from the album, "Your Blue Room", "Always Forever Now"and "A Different Kind of Blue"

"Your Blue Room" song lyrics + themes - U2 / Passengers

your blue room

"Your Blue Room" Lyrics U2

Your Blue Room was written for the Michelangelo Antonioni-Wim Wenders film Beyond the Clouds. It was lined up as the follow up single to "Miss Sarajevo", but it was canceled due to poor sales of Original Soundtracks Vol 1.

It was later featured as a B-side on the "Staring at the Sun" single in 1997. The song features U2 bassist Adam Clayton singing the last verse, only the second time in U2 history he as appeared vocally on a track.

The song's thematic essence is deeply reflective and intimate, offering a glimpse into personal and emotional spaces. The lyrics of "Your Blue Room" suggest themes of introspection, solitude, and the complexity of human relationships. The phrase "your blue room" itself can be interpreted as a metaphor for a personal or introspective space where one confronts their inner thoughts and feelings. 

The lyrical content is sparse yet poignant, evoking a sense of introspection and quietude, as if inviting the listener into a private, contemplative world.

U2 debuted Your Blue Room live during the 2009 show in Chicago.

Your Blue Room Lyrics by Passengers:


It's time to go again to your blue room
Got some questions to ask of you in your blue room
The air is clean, your skin is clear
We've had enough fun hanging around here
It's a different kind of conversation in your blue room

Saw me calmly, deep inside
Saw me calmly, somewhere to hide

And time is a string of pearls
Your blue room
In a second see the future just hanging there
Your blue room
A new frame, a new perspective
Looking down on my objectives
New instructions, whatever their directions
Your blue room

Saw me calmly, be so proud and new
Saw me calmly, came to feel

It's alright
Your blue room
One day, I'll be back
Your blue room
Yeah, I hope I remember where it's at
Your blue room

I see inside of you
Won't you take me back home
So much for the time

Zooming in and zooming out
Nothing I can do without
A lense to see it all up close
Magnify what everyone knows
Never in company, never alone
No car alarms, no cellular phones

-

Musically, "Your Blue Room" complements its lyrical themes perfectly. The track is characterized by a slow, ambient sound that creates a serene and almost dream-like atmosphere. The use of understated instrumentation, gentle rhythms, and atmospheric soundscapes is typical of Brian Eno's influence and aligns with the ambient genre. This musical backdrop enhances the song's reflective mood, making it a powerful and immersive listening experience.

In the broader context of U2's work, "Your Blue Room" exemplifies the band's versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories. This track, much like the rest of "Original Soundtracks 1," shows U2 breaking away from their established rock identity and venturing into more experimental and introspective domains. The song's reception among listeners and critics is as varied as its interpretations; some appreciate the song for its depth and innovation, while others may find it a stark contrast to U2's more conventional offerings.

Check out the lyrics to the understated Slug and the brilliant Miss Sarajevo.

In many ways this album was a set up for what become the Pop album. Pop was U2 at it's most experimental under the official U2 monkier.