"Unknown Caller" Lyrics U2

"Unknown Caller" Lyrics by U2

Unknown Caller," a track from U2's 2009 album "No Line on the Horizon," is a compelling example of the band's ability to weave intricate storytelling with thematic depth. The song is an exploration of redemption, hope, and the search for guidance in moments of despair. Its narrative and symbolism are layered, offering multiple interpretations that resonate with the listener's personal experiences.

At its core, "Unknown Caller" can be viewed as a conversation between a troubled individual and a mysterious, possibly divine, entity. The song opens with a description of a person in a moment of crisis, symbolized by the imagery of a broken landscape: "I was lost between the midnight and the dawning." This evokes a sense of disorientation and despair, a common theme in U2's work, reflecting the struggles of the human condition.

The chorus introduces the concept of an 'unknown caller,' who offers cryptic yet hopeful messages: "Restart and reboot yourself/You're free to go." These lines suggest a theme of rebirth and renewal, echoing the biblical notion of being 'born again.' The caller's advice, delivered in the form of commands like "force quit and move to trash," cleverly uses computer terminology to convey the idea of shedding past burdens and starting anew.

Some listeners have asked what the lyrical reference to 3:33 means. U2 have used this before and it probably refers to the Bible note of Jeremiah 33:3: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

 U2's lead singer Bono said in an interview with Rolling Stone, "It's known as 'God's telephone number.'" U2 have previously made this reference to 33.3 - check out the backgroud of the cover of All That You Can't Leave Behind.

Unknown Caller Lyrics by u2:

Sunshine, sunshine
Sunshine, sunshine

Oh, oh
Oh, oh

I was lost between the midnight and the dawning
In a place of no consequence or company
3:33 when the numbers fell off the clock face
Speed-dialing with no signal at all

Go, shout it out, rise up
Oh, oh
Escape yourself and gravity
Hear me, cease to speak that I may speak
Shush now
Oh, oh
Force quit and move to trash

I was right there at the top of the bottom
On the edge of the known universe
Where I wanted to be
I had driven to the scene of the accident
And I sat there waiting for me

Restart and re-boot yourself
You're free to go
Oh, oh
Shout for joy if you get the chance
Password, you, enter here, right now

Oh, oh
You know your name so punch it in
Hear me, cease to speak that I may speak
Shush now
Oh, oh
Then don't move or say a thing

Check out more of Bono's NLOTH Lyrics from U2