U2 Songs: Meanings + Themes + Lyrics

Aung San Suu Kyi Walks free, we need to walk on further

Having been following the recent news that political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi had been released, I had thought to myself that U2 would be pleased as they dedicated Walk On to her. Aung is this era's quivalent of Nelson Mandela, a prisoner for standing up for democracy and promoting it in her own country.

Given U2's activism and involvement with Amnesty International, it's no surprise U2 have sought to bring publicity to Aung San Suu Kyi's plight. So it was still no surprise I received the following email from the official U2 website:

Dear U2 Fan,

I'm sure, like us, you're delighted with the news of the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma at the weekend. We should all be relieved, if cautious, that she has been able to take a step towards freedom.

However, we must remember that her release is not part of any political process but is designed to get positive publicity for the dictatorship after the blatant rigging of elections on 7th November. We must not forget the thousands of other political prisoners still suffering in Burma’s jails and must do whatever we can to encourage the international community to engage the junta in dialogue.

We will continue our support of this remarkable woman and her campaign, and as always we count on your continued input and continued vigilance.

Thanks

Edge

I have nothing else to add.

'Boy Falls from the Sky' Lyrics U2 - Spiderman

This song was debuted by U2 during a show in Columbia. Boy falls from the Sky is from the Turn off the Dark musical that's all about Spiderman. The lyrics seemingly reflect the city in which spidey jumps around, slinging his webs... it's doubtful the song will appear on a proper U2 album.

'Boy Falls from the Sky' Lyrics U2 - Spiderman

You can change your mind
But you cannot change your heart
It’s a compass and a map
The key to the chart

I’d be myself
If I knew I’d become
You can fly too high
And get too close to the sun

See how the boy falls from the sky

Not every wanderer
Is lost or far from home
I didn’t have to move so far
To find myself alone

Save, you save yourself
If you even get that right
I used to use a single thread
To cross the sky

And now the eye of the needle
Is your heart denied
The boy falls from the sky

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh

The city conducts a symphony
And such soul trash your melody
A single scrap of dignity
In the junkyard of humanity

To hear the voice inside your head
Listen now to no one else
You know exactly what to do
Believe in me
Believe in you

You take a look at my self esteem
And when you do
When you do
Ohhhhhhhhhhh
Believe

'Mercy' Song Lyrics by U2

"Mercy" Lyrics U2

Originally a song left over from the recording sessions from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, Mercy has become the stuff of legends.

**Origins: Recording Sessions for How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004)**

"Mercy" was first conceived during the sessions for U2's 2004 album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. At that time, the band was working with multiple producers, including Steve Lillywhite and Chris Thomas, to create a bold rock sound while still maintaining the introspective depth seen in their earlier works.

As the recording process evolved, several songs went through multiple versions and were either radically altered or scrapped altogether. "Mercy" was one such song, initially planned for inclusion in the final tracklist.

It was ultimately left off the final cut of the album. Bono later described the decision as difficult, saying that while the song had potential, the band wasn't entirely satisfied with its final form. Nonetheless, the song's exclusion from the album was not the end of its story.

The 2004 Demo Leak

In 2004, a demo version of "Mercy" surfaced on the internet, offering fans a rare glimpse into U2's recording process. The song's unfinished form, though rough, was enough to captivate listeners and generate significant buzz among U2 enthusiasts.

The leaked version had a sprawling structure, with lyrics full of personal and spiritual themes. The emotional weight of lines like "I want to be the end of the world for you" and "Love, lift me out of these blues" combined vulnerability with the soaring optimism often found in U2's music. This version became somewhat of a cult favorite among fans, though it remained an unofficial and unpolished recording.

3. Reworking the Song: 2009–2010 Sessions for No Line on the Horizon

As U2 began recording No Line on the Horizon in 2009, they revisited several unfinished ideas from earlier sessions, including "Mercy". During this period, the band was experimenting with more ambient and atmospheric sounds, working with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois to expand their sonic palette.

Although reports suggested that "Mercy" was being reconsidered for the album, it ultimately did not make it onto No Line on the Horizon (released in 2009). However, during the accompanying U2 360° Tour, fans began to speculate that the band had once again revived the song.

4. Live Debut: 2010 U2 360° Tour

After years of remaining an unfinished demo, "Mercy" made its official live debut on September 12, 2010, during a concert in Zurich, Switzerland, as part of U2's 360° Tour. The live rendition was notably different from the 2004 demo, both in structure and arrangement.

The 360° Tour version of "Mercy" featured a more focused and concise form, clocking in at just under five minutes. The live arrangement brought a raw energy to the song, with Edge’s guitar riffs anchoring the emotional intensity of Bono’s vocal delivery. Although lyrically it retained much of its core, there were notable edits and new phrasing compared to the 2004 demo.

5. **Release in Wide Awake in Europe (2010)**

In November 2010, U2 released a limited-edition vinyl EP titled Wide Awake in Europe. One of the key features of this release was a live recording of "Mercy" from the 360° Tour. This marked the song’s first official release, albeit in live form, giving fans an opportunity to own a polished version of the track after years of waiting.

Wide Awake in Europe was limited to only 5,000 copies, making it a sought-after collector's item among U2 fans.

6. 'How to re-assemble an Atomic Bomb' features a reworked version of the song, it is called The Luckiest Man Alive.

This live version of Mercy featured a set of revised lyrics from Bono:

Mercy Lyrics

I was drinking some wine
And it turned to blood
What’s the use of religion
If you’re only good

I know I’m weed killer, honey
And you’re sugar
If you’re the prosecution
I get away with murder

You’re gravity searching for the ground
I’m silence searching for a sound

Your heart is aching
Your heart is my home
It’s fascinating
I know I’ll never be alone

You’re gonna kill me and I wanna die
We were meant for each other, you and I
Souls allowed to love
And there’s nowhere else to turn

You’re not sorry, you’re not gonna cry
You put the blue back in my eye
It’s just us
Because, because, because we can
We must

If you’re hunger, baby let me feed it
If your heart is full, baby let me bleed it
And happiness is for those who don’t really need it
You love me too much

You wanna kill me and I wanna die
We’re a perfect match, you and I
Slaves without the drug
And there’s no one else to trust

I’m not sorry, you’re not gonna cry
You put the blue back in my eye
It’s just us
Because, because, because we can
We must

I’m gonna kill me and I wanna die
We were meant for each other, you and I
Souls allowed to trust
And there’s no one left to trust

I’m not sorry, you’re not gonna cry
You put the blue back in my eye
It’s just us
Because, because, because we can
We must
Because, because, because we can
We must
Because, because, because we can
We must

Check out the lyrics to another song U2 have tested out, Flower of Glastonbury.

'Glastonbury' Song Lyrics by U2

The song "Glastonbury" by U2 captures the essence of a profound and personal experience intertwined with themes of hope, longing, and the quest for connection amidst the chaos of life. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, reflecting on the significance of the Glastonbury Festival as not just a musical gathering but as a metaphor for liberation and communal spirit.

U2's exploration of the juxtaposition between fleeting moments of joy and the often harsh realities of existence resonates deeply with listeners, drawing them into a shared journey of introspection. The imagery in the song evokes landscapes of both physical and emotional terrains, inviting audiences to reflect on their own life experiences.

'Glastonbury' Song Lyrics by U2

Take me to the house of rain
You know I’ve never, ever been
I was passion as the devil made
As I was splashing along the way

Hey that`s known as the flowering rose, a flowering rose that said my name
Kings and wine the flowering rose, the flowering rose of Glastonbury

You. Are. A pocketful of sunshine
You. Are. The miracle of kingdom finds

Some things you just can`t control
Sometimes you’re just letting go

Going to the house of rest
Music it will set me right
You took me to the house of green
You knew that I had never been

Hey that`s known as the flowering rose, a flowering rose that said my name
Kings and wine the flowering rose, the flowering rose of Glastonbury

You. Are. A pocketful of sunshine
You. Are. The miracle of kingdom finds

Living like a pilgrim sleeping
Under the flower of the American dream
Set the scene like a thought worth keepin
Livin in a dream jeez you can’t be sleepin

You. Are. A pocketful of sunshine
You. Are. The miracle of kingdom finds
You. Are. Living on a dime
You. Are. A pocketful of sunshine
You. Are. The miracle of kingdom finds
The miracle of kingdom finds
The miracle of kingdom finds
The miracle of kingdom finds

Through its lyrical depth, "Glastonbury" transcends mere celebration; it becomes a poignant reminder of the transformative power of music and shared experiences. The festival setting serves as a backdrop for a deeper commentary on the interconnectedness of human experience, where the strains of melody and rhythm can unite disparate souls, foster a sense of belonging, and ignite a spark of change. U2 masterfully intertwines these themes, creating a rich tapestry that encourages listeners to engage with their memories, dreams, and the often-unreachable ideals that shape our existence.

Glastonbury debuted at U2's show in Turin along with the first performance of North Star.

North Star Lyrics U2

These are the lyrics to the song U2 debuted at the Turin, Italy gig on March 6, 2010. No telling where the song will end up, maybe on Songs of Ascent. In which case the lyrics could be totally different by then.

The song "North Star" by U2 serves as a poignant reflection on guidance, hope, and resilience in times of uncertainty. Through evocative lyrics, the band conveys a sense of searching for direction amid chaos, using the metaphor of a "north star" to symbolize a steadfast source of light and purpose. The song captures the human experience of longing for connection and meaning, particularly during challenging moments when one might feel lost.

North Star was apparently written during the How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb sessions and according to @U2, the song is a tribute to Johnny Cash.

U2's exploration of vulnerability and strength resonates deeply, emphasizing the importance of holding onto dreams and ideals as a way to navigate life’s complexities. This interplay of darkness and light within the narrative invites listeners to contemplate their own journeys, ultimately reinforcing the notion that even in the bleakest of times, there remains an enduring hope that can guide us toward a brighter future.

In the Transformers film series, U2's "North Star" features prominently in the 2011 movie Transformers: Dark of the Moon, specifically during a pivotal scene that underscores themes of hope and resilience. The song plays in the background during a sequence that highlights the film's emotional weight and the struggles of the characters as they confront overwhelming challenges. The use of "North Star" enhances the narrative by drawing parallels between the film's themes of finding direction in the face of adversity and the song's exploration of seeking guidance and light during dark times.

Also debuted during the same night was the song, Glastonbury

Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) Lyrics U2 lyrics

Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) Lyrics U2 / Jay -Z / Rhianna lyrics

Produced by Swizz Beatz and tweaked by The Edge, this high-powered collaboration was created over the phone when the hip-hop beatsmith and Bono came up with the chorus together. Hours later, Jay-Z who helped conceive the effort with Swizz — jumped on the phone and got wind of the melody.

"I knew that Jay would be able to tell a story," Swizz said of the track. "And that Bono would be able to sing and bring it home."

Rihanna completes the lyrical trifecta. "The last component that I added was Rihanna, and she's kinda like the singing angel that's on the track, softening it up and giving it that caring feeling, because this hook is so powerful."

Bono, Edge, Rihanna and Jay- Z performed Stranded for the first time at the The Hospital Club in London during the Hope For Haiti Now benefit.

The song is already available for download on iTunes (US music store link) and 100% of proceeds benefit the cause.

Stranded (Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) Lyrics:

When the sky falls and the Earth quakes
We gon put this back together
We won’t break

Sa Pa Sé, my Port-Au-Princes

my Haitian Gods and all of my Princesses
Our condolences as you fightin’ against this
we’re right by your side as we tryin’ to make sense of this
heavenly father help us see through these problems
and for those thats left accept them into your garden
so here’s my theory, the country’s already starvin’
so we sacrificed many to shed light on all of them
God please pardon, I speak from the heart
its the only way I see this tragedy befall on them
so lets get involved with them, hand to hand with them
arm to arm with them til they get strong again,
When the sky falls…

(Rihanna and Bono)

Can’t wait until tomorrow
Haiti, Mon Amour
Haiti, Mon Amour
Not gonna leave you stranded, alone, alone
oh no

Learn from the past, New Orleans was flooded
So we know we just can’t rely on the government
We under the rubble again, here we go rumbling when
When we gonna catch a break, my friend lost his mother and then
And then, Carline lost her uncles and them
Buried with no caskets, they just put covers on them
And the tears fall, and we fight back
Story ain’t done, it can’t end like that
Nah not like this, tomorrow’s survivors gonna carry on your name
You live on inside us, your memory’s alive with us
You inspired us, to rebuild this country, you just guide us

It’s not the angels that are on their way
its not the bells of Santa Trinite
the people waiting, position vacant
for hands to help, not just to pray

Haïti va s’élever
Tu vas te relever
Nous nous éléverons
Ensemble ensemble ensemble

(not gonna leave you stranded…)

we gon put this back together we wont break
we gon put this back together we wont break
we gon put this back together we wont break
we gon put this back together we wont break

Here the full Set list from the Hope For Haiti Concert

Check out some more pages on the meaning of U2 lyrics U2 lyrics that explore Jesus, Yahweh and The Good Book, U2 B-sides, or U2 songs that name check real people.

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Aung San Suu Kyi Walks free, we need to walk on further

'Boy Falls from the Sky' Lyrics U2 - Spiderman