"Desire" song lyrics by U2 from Rattle and Hum

U2's "Desire" stands as a powerful exploration of the multifaceted nature of longing, wrapped in a rhythmic pulse that perfectly complements its thematic weight. The track, part of the Rattle and Hum album released in 1988, is imbued with an energy that captures both the fervor of passion and the complexities that come with it.

Bono, U2's charismatic frontman, approaches desire as both a personal and collective experience. He unpacks the duality of longing—a force that can elevate and empower while simultaneously entangling individuals in complexity and conflict. 

This theme resonates deeply within the context of human relationships, where desire often intersects with love, loss, and identity.

One of the key insights in the song is the idea that desire is not merely an instinctual urge but an active choice. 

It requires engagement, reflection, and often a reckoning with societal expectations. The song conveys that desire is not solely about physical attraction but encompasses a deeper yearning for connection and understanding. 

"Desire" song lyrics by U2 from Rattle and Hum

Yeah!

Lover, I'm on the street
Gonna go where the bright lights
And the big city meet
With a red guitar on fire
Desire

She's a candle burning in my room
Yeah I'm like the needle, needle and spoon
Over the counter with a shotgun
Pretty soon everybody got one
And the fever when I'm beside her
Desire

And the fever getting higher
Desire, desire
Burning, burning

She's the dollars
She's my protection
Yeah she's a promise
In the year of election
Oh sister, I can't let you go
Like a preacher stealing hearts
In a traveling show
For love or money, money, money
Money, money, money, money, money
Money, money, money

And the fever, getting higher
Desire, desire, desire, desire
Desire, desire

-

Desire was U2's first UK number one. This was the big single off the Rattle and Hum album, the other singles being All I Want is You and Love Comes to Town of which each proved to be classic U2 songs. 'Hallelujah Here She Comes' was the b-side.

This was the U2 era when the U2 backlash began. It didn't really matter as the band followed up with the classic Achtung Baby album which cemented the band's place in Rock and Roll history.

The Bo Diddley Connection to Desire

The connection between The Edge's guitar work in U2's "Desire" and Bo Diddley's influence lies in the rhythmic and stylistic homage that permeates the song. The driving pulse of "Desire" mirrors Diddley’s iconic "Bo Diddley beat," a syncopated rhythm that creates a hypnotic groove, while The Edge's choppy, staccato riffs and gritty, overdriven tone evoke the raw energy of Diddley's blues-infused rock. 

By prioritizing rhythm over melody, The Edge channels the essence of rock and roll that Diddley epitomized, crafting a relentless energy that complements Bono’s intense exploration of longing.