"Original of the Species," a standout track from U2’s How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004), showcases the band's lyrical and emotional depth while blending rock anthems with introspective themes. The song, written as a message to the children of U2's band members, particularly to Bono's daughter, addresses themes of personal growth, self-acceptance, and the complexities of adolescence. Bono’s lyrics reflect his observations about the challenges of coming of age, with lines like “I’ll give you everything you want, except the thing that you want” expressing the tension between protection and independence.
Original of the Species connects to the broader themes of the album, which often grapples with vulnerability, identity, and finding strength in uncertain times. The song's message, cloaked in intimate but universal language, speaks to the beauty and struggle of evolving as a person, capturing both innocence and maturity in its narrative.
In terms of production the song underwent significant evolution during the recording process. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, with additional input from Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, the song reflects U2's careful crafting of sound to match its lyrical message. Initially demoed in a more stripped-down form, the final version grew into a lush arrangement, featuring The Edge’s delicate piano alongside his trademark guitar work, which adds a soaring, expansive quality to the track. Larry Mullen Jr.'s drumming and Adam Clayton's bass provide a steady backbone, allowing Bono's impassioned vocals to take center stage.
The production's layered sound mirrors the song’s emotional complexity, building from a delicate opening to an explosive climax that underscores the empowerment at the heart of the lyrics. The careful balance of intimacy and grandeur in the production made "Original of the Species" one of the more sonically rich and emotionally resonant songs on How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, further establishing U2's ability to fuse personal storytelling with their iconic anthemic sound.
Lyrics:
Baby slow down
The end is not as fun as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart
I'll give you everything you want
Except the thing that you want
You are the first one of your kind
And you feel like no one before
You steal right under my door
I kneel 'cause I want you some more
I want the lot of what you got
And I want nothing that you're not
Everywhere you go you shout it
You don't have to be shy about it
Some things you shouldn't get too good at
Like smiling, crying and celebrity
Some people got way too much confidence, baby
Baby
I'll give you everything you want
Except the thing that you want
You are the first one of your kind
And you feel like no one before
You steal right under my door
I kneel 'cause I want you some more
I want the lot of what you got
And I want nothing that you're not
Everywhere you go you shout it
You don't have to be shy about it, no
Oh no, oh no no no no no no
Here's the fall
Sugar come on, show your soul
You've been keeping your love under control
Everywhere you go you shout it
You don't have to be shy about it, no
Everywhere you go you shout about it
Oh my my
And you feel like no one before
You steal right under my door
I kneel 'cause I want you some more
I want you some more
I want you some more
Oh no, oh no
Oh no, oh no no no no
Check out the lyrics to All Because Of You and A Man And A Woman
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