U2's "Exit" song lyrics from The Joshua Tree

“Exit,” a compelling track from U2's The Joshua Tree, serves as a haunting exploration of despair, violence, and existential dread, delving deep into the psyche of individuals confronted with moral ambiguity. Inspired by the themes of isolation and desperation, Bono's lyrics paint a stark portrait of a troubled mind, grappling with the weight of personal and societal issues. The narrative unfolds with chilling imagery, as lines like “In the exit” evoke a sense of entrapment and the feeling of being cornered by one’s choices. 

Bono channels the emotions of a man on the brink, contemplating the darkest corners of the human experience while grappling with the consequences of violence and the fragility of existence. The song’s lyrical depth invites listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world, creating a palpable tension that resonates throughout.

U2's "Exit" song lyrics from The Joshua Tree

You know he got the cure
You know he went astray
He used to stay awake
To drive the dreams he had away
He wanted to believe
In the hands of love

His head it felt heavy
As he cut across the land
A dog started crying
Like a broken hearted man
At the howling wind
At the howling wind

He went deeper into black
Deeper into white
He could see the stars shining
Like nails in the night
He felt the healing
Healing, healing
Healing hands of love
Like the stars shining from above

His hand in his pocket
His finger on the steel
The pistol weighed heavy
In his heart he could feel
It was beating, beating
Beating, beating oh my love
Oh my love, oh my love
Oh my love
My love

See the hands that build
Can also pull down
The hands of love

-

Musically, “Exit” amplifies its emotional gravity through a driving rhythm and atmospheric instrumentation, making it one of the most intense tracks on the album. The Edge's guitar work stands out, utilizing distortion and reverb to create an expansive soundscape that mirrors the turmoil depicted in the lyrics. Adam Clayton’s rhythmic bass lines and Larry Mullen Jr.'s powerful drumming provide a relentless backdrop, propelling the song forward while evoking a sense of urgency and inevitability. Bono’s impassioned delivery adds to the urgency, as he captures the raw emotions of desperation and contemplation. 

The interplay between the music and lyrics creates a haunting resonance, making “Exit” a powerful meditation on the choices that define us and the societal pressures that push individuals to the edge. U2 masterfully crafts a piece that is both an introspective journey and a reflection on broader human struggles, solidifying “Exit” as a standout moment on The Joshua Tree and a testament to the band's artistic depth.

Check out the lyrics to some other great songs from The Joshua Tree album, the number one songs, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For "With or Without You" and the very politically potent "Bullet the Blue Sky"

Bono's reference to stars has become a common theme for Bono - see The Fly, If you wear that Velvet Dress, Crumbs from Your Table or Elevation.

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