"Angel of Harlem" song lyrics by U2

Friday, August 14, 2009
"Angel of Harlem," featured on U2's 1988 album Rattle and Hum, is a vibrant tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Harlem, New York City, and its profound influence on music and society. 

The song is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and reverence, drawing inspiration from the vibrant history of African American music, particularly jazz and rhythm and blues. 

Lyrically, Bono pays homage to notable figures and locales that have defined Harlem's artistic legacy, reflecting the band’s desire to connect their Irish roots to the broader narrative of American music. This cross-cultural dialogue is particularly poignant, as it highlights the transformative power of music to bridge divides and celebrate shared humanity.

"Angel of Harlem" song lyrics by U2



Throughout the song, U2 includes specific references to iconic places and figures that are synonymous with Harlem’s rich musical heritage. Names such as "Billie Holiday." evoke the legendary jazz singer whose haunting voice and poignant lyrics left an indelible mark on American music, Holiday is thus the named angel.

The mention of "John Coltrane" and his A Love Supreme further cements this connection, as the revered saxophonist not only transformed jazz but also exemplified the spirit of creativity that Harlem represents.

The lyrical basis of the song is to acknowledge New York City-area landmarks, including JFK airport, WBLS radio and Harlem.
It was released with two different B-sides; one was an original U2 song called "A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel", while the other was a live version of Rattle and Hum's "Love Rescue Me."

The lyrical basis of the song is to acknowledge New York City-area landmarks, including JFK airport, WBLS radio and Harlem.

The Birdland club and Miles Davis also get a shout out.

"Angel of Harlem" song lyrics by U2

It was a cold and wet December day
When we touched the ground at JFK
Snow was melting on the ground
On BLS I heard the sound of an angel
New York, like a Christmas tree
Tonight this city belongs to me, angel

Soul love, this love won't let me go
So long Angel of Harlem

Birdland on fifty-three
The street sounds like a symphony
We got John Coltrane and a love supreme
Miles, and she's got to be an angel
Lady Day got diamond eyes
She sees the truth behind the lies, angel

Soul love, this love won't let me go
So long Angel of Harlem
Angel of Harlem

She says it's heart, heart and soul
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah

Blue light on the avenue
God knows they got to you
An empty glass, the lady sings
Eyes swollen like a bee sting
Blinded, you lost your way
Through the side streets and the alleyway
Like a star exploding in the night
Falling to the city in broad daylight
An angel in Devil's shoes
Salvation in the blues
You never looked like an angel
Yeah yeah, Angel of Harlem

Angel, Angel of Harlem
Angel, Angel of Harlem
Angel, Angel of Harlem
Angel, Angel of Harlem
Oh yeah, it's alright
It's alright

-

While "Angel of Harlem" beautifully encapsulates the essence of Harlem's musical heritage, but its somewhat idealized portrayal risks overshadowing the complex realities of the neighborhood's history and social challenges...

Check out the lyrics to All I Want Is You, Helter Skelter and Van Diemen's Land, all songs from Rattle and Hum.

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