U2's Zooropa album song lyrics

Wednesday, August 31, 2011
I think Zooropa was the first U2 album I ever bought.

I vaguely recall having heard Numb on what was then called 93 FM and thinking it sounded pretty cool. Then on a trip later to Taupo with my Dad and brothers I saw a poster with all the song titles on it and it looked awesome and dangerous unlike say the Roxette album we listened to on the way to Taupo.

Soon after I bought the album and my musical journey with U2 began.

Anyways you didn't come here for the memories of a teenager, you came for the lyrics of Zooropa, a Grammy award winning album that featured a monotoned The Edge, an amazing vocal track by the late and great Johnny Cash and some fantastic Brian Eno keyboard magic on Lemon.

Zooropa was a quick companion piece of sorts to Achtung Baby. 

Lyrically, Zooropa expanded on many of the Achtung Baby tours' themes of media over-saturation, technology, and of course love.



U2's Zooropa lyrics:


1. "Zooropa"
2. "Babyface"
3. "Numb" (The Edge on lead vocal)
4. "Lemon"
5. "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)"
6. "Daddy's Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car"
7. "Some Days Are Better Than Others"
8. "The First Time"
9. "Dirty Day"
10. "The Wanderer"

Extra for Experts


Hold Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me, Thrill Me was also written during the recording sessions for Zooropa, however it was considered to different from the other songs to warrant a place on the album and somehow it found its way onto the Batman Forever movie soundtrack.

The creative process for "Zooropa" was notably unconventional, as it largely took place during the breaks in the "Zoo TV Tour," which was itself a groundbreaking and highly theatrical production. This tour, with its multimedia extravagance, was a sensory overload, reflecting the band's fascination with the rapidly evolving media landscape and the post-Cold War cultural shifts. Immersed in this high-energy, technologically saturated environment, U2 began to experiment with new sounds and themes, leading to the creation of "Zooropa."

 The album is characterized by its experimental edge, incorporating electronic music elements and a more avant-garde approach compared to their previous work. This period of creativity was marked by a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, as the band took advantage of the touring momentum. They often recorded in makeshift studios set up in various locations along the tour, capturing the kinetic energy and chaotic spirit of the time. 

The result was an album that not only extended the aesthetic of "Achtung Baby" but also pushed the boundaries of U2's sound, reflecting the band's ongoing evolution and willingness to explore new artistic territories.

Themes of Zooropa's lyrics


The album is steeped in themes of technological saturation, media overload, and the existential disquiet of a rapidly changing world. It encapsulates the anxiety and excitement of an age increasingly dominated by television, advertising, and the burgeoning influence of the internet. This is vividly portrayed in tracks like "Zooropa" and "Numb," which lyrically and sonically capture the sensory overload of the media landscape. 

The album also delves into the uncertainties of European identity and unity in the post-Berlin Wall era, a theme poignantly explored in the song "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)," which juxtaposes personal longing with broader geopolitical changes. Moreover, "Zooropa" grapples with existential themes of doubt, disillusionment, and the search for meaning, particularly in songs like "The First Time" and "The Wanderer," featuring Johnny Cash. 

These tracks question traditional values and beliefs in a world increasingly defined by consumerism and superficiality. The album's experimental sound, blending rock with electronic and avant-garde elements, underscores its thematic exploration of disorientation and the search for authenticity in an age of overwhelming information and relentless change, making "Zooropa" a compelling snapshot of its time and a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition in the modern era.
Leave a Comment ,

'Achtung Baby' album song lyrics by U2

Achtung Baby is U2's crowning glory, their masterpiece that no band since 1991 has bettered, it is a modern day classic. Following the perhaps inevitable backlash against U2's Rattle and Hum, U2's sound on the album was unlike anything the band had ever produced before.

U2's previous records such as War and The Joshua Tree made lyrical statements about political and social issues. Bono's lyrics for Achtung Baby a realised a more personal and introspective which examined love, sexuality, spirituality, faith, and even betrayal with Until The End of the World being an obvious example with its story seeming to be about a confessional conversation with Judas Iscariot.

Yes, that one. ..

Throughout "Achtung Baby," U2 not only reinvented their musical style under the watch of Brian Eno and Flood but also delved into deeper, more introspective lyrical themes. The album’s exploration of personal and societal change, the complexity of relationships, and the impact of modern technology, resonates as much today as it did at the time of its release.

Its lyrical quality reflects a band that is not afraid to confront the ambiguities and contradictions of the human experience, making "Achtung Baby" a seminal work in U2's discography.


'Achtung Baby' album song lyrics by U2

B-Sides, Session songs, covers


Allow us to wax lyrical about the album.

The album opens with "Zoo Station," an audacious departure from U2's established sound, introducing listeners to the band's new sonic territory driven by a block rocking drumbeat by Larry. The song's lyrics metaphorically represent a readiness to embark on a new journey, with references to transformation and reinvention. This theme of change is a thread that runs throughout the album, reflecting both personal and societal shifts.

"One," arguably the most famous track on the album, delves into themes of unity, conflict, and reconciliation. Its poetic lyrics have been interpreted in various ways, from a commentary on fractured relationships to a reflection on the band's near breakup. The song's universal appeal lies in its ambiguity, allowing listeners to find their own meaning in its words.

"Mysterious Ways" showcases the band's experimentation with dance rhythms, while its lyrics celebrate feminine mystique and the power of love and transformation. The song's vivid imagery, coupled with its upbeat tempo, creates a juxtaposition that highlights the complexity of relationships.

"The Fly," a song that presents a cacophony of sound and a persona that Bono adopted during live performances, is a commentary on the information overload of the modern world. Its rapid, spoken-word style verses and distorted sounds align with the song's message about the bombardment of media and technology.

"Acrobat," a lesser-known but equally compelling track, delves into the inner turmoil and hypocrisy that can exist within individuals. The song's raw emotional intensity, combined with introspective lyrics, makes it a standout on the album for its exploration of the human psyche.

"Love is Blindness," the closing track, is a haunting ballad that speaks to the pain and surrender of love. Its sparse, yet intense arrangement complements the song's exploration of love's darker, more obsessive aspects.

Check out the infamous Lady with the Spinning Head which was an abandoned song that formed the structural basis for The Fly, which became a conversation from hell about the post modern self.
Leave a Comment

'Rattle and Hum' album lyrics by U2

Following on from the mega selling The Joshua Tree was seen as a tough act to follow - U2 were nearly up to the challenge with Rattle and Hum, an album with some killer songs like All I Want Is You and God Part II but as a whole it didn't quite have the same magic as The Joshua Tree.

That said the album produced plenty of hits of U2 and songs from Rattle and Hum still feature in most U2 concert set lists.

The album was intended to be a tribute to some musical legends and took a bluesy turn with Desire featuring a Bo Diddley inspired riff being played on Desire, blues maestro BB King featuring his own guitar work on Love Comes To Town and lyrics evoking memories of jazz legends Billie Holiday and Miles Davis and even John Lennon.

Rattle and Hum album lyrics by U2

The album title, Rattle and Hum, is taken from a lyric from U2's own "Bullet the Blue Sky"

Rattle and Hum album lyrics by U2

         
1. Helter Skelter - Beatles cover

2. Van Diemen's Land

3. Desire

4. Hawkmoon 269

5. All Along The Watchtower - Bob Dylan cover

6. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

7. Freedom For My People (Sterling Magee and Adam Gussow)

8. Silver And Gold

9. Pride (In The Name Of Love) 

10. Angel Of Harlem

11. Love Rescue Me

12. When Love Comes To Town

13. Heartland 

14. God Part II

15. The Star Spangled Banner

16. Bullet The Blue Sky

17. All I Want Is You

B - sides 


Themes of the Lyrics in Rattle and Hum

Rattle and Hum explores a blend of deeply personal themes and broader social commentary, building on U2's previous work but with a more explicit nod to American music traditions. The lyrics delve into the band’s evolving relationship with America, grappling with its cultural richness while critiquing its political and historical complexities. 

Songs like "Bullet the Blue Sky" focus on U.S. interventionism in Central America, showcasing U2’s stance on political injustice, while tracks like "Hawkmoon 269" and "Heartland" reflect on the spiritual and geographical expanse of the country. The album also dives into personal themes of love and yearning in songs such as "All I Want Is You," where the lyrics speak to desire and emotional vulnerability.

U2's Concept for Rattle and Hum

Conceptually, Rattle and Hum was U2’s attempt to pay tribute to the great musical traditions of America—specifically blues, gospel, and early rock 'n' roll—while fusing these influences with their signature sound. 

The album reflects their immersion into American music history, as evidenced by their collaborations with B.B. King and their homages to Bo Diddley and John Lennon. It’s a blend of homage and reinvention, with the band using this album to explore their own artistic roots, while simultaneously showing reverence for legends who paved the way before them. U2 sought to engage with America not just as a geographical space, but as a source of profound artistic inspiration. This melding of Irish rock with American roots music ultimately aimed to create a hybrid sound that honored the past while pushing their music forward.

And you can dream out loud

After touring the album Bono famously said circa December 30-31, 1989 "I was explaining to people the other night, but I might've got it a bit wrong – this is just the end of something for U2. And that's what we're playing these concerts – and we're throwing a party for ourselves and you. It's no big deal, it's just – we have to go away and ... and dream it all up again…

And they went and bloody come up with 1991's Achtung Baby...
Leave a Comment

U2 - The Unforgettable Fire album lyrics

Sunday, August 28, 2011
"The Unforgettable Fire," U2's fourth studio album, released in 1984, marks a significant shift in the band's musical and lyrical direction, showcasing a transition from the post-punk fervor of their early work to a more atmospheric and experimental sound.
 
'The Unforgettable Fire' album lyrics by U2

With a more ambient or abstract sound than War, this album produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, is notable for its ambient, texture-rich arrangements, which create a backdrop for some of U2's most evocative and introspective lyrics. 

This album diverges from the overtly political messaging of their earlier work in War and Boy, moving towards a more nuanced exploration of personal and historical themes. The title track, "The Unforgettable Fire," draws inspiration from the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, symbolizing the duality of human capability for both creation and destruction. This theme of duality extends to other tracks, such as "Pride (In the Name of Love)," which serves as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and the broader struggle for civil rights, blending personal heroism with collective historical memory.

The album frequently delves into the realm of the spiritual and the mystical, evident in songs like "A Sort of Homecoming" and "Bad," which convey a sense of longing, spiritual yearning, and the complex journey towards self-discovery and redemption. Moreover, "The Unforgettable Fire" explores the theme of romantic and existential angst, particularly in tracks like "Promenade" and "4th of July," where the lyrical ambiguity invites a multitude of interpretations.

The atmospheric production by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois plays a crucial role in shaping the album's ethereal and emotive quality, making "The Unforgettable Fire" a transformative work in U2's discography that balances introspection with broader, universal themes, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level.

'The Unforgettable Fire' album lyrics by U2

1. "A Sort of Homecoming"
2. "Pride (In the Name of Love)"
3. "Wire"
4. "The Unforgettable Fire"
5. "Promenade"
6. "4th of July" 
7. "Bad"
8. "Indian Summer Sky"
9. "Elvis Presley and America"
10. "MLK"

The album's title track, "The Unforgettable Fire," serves as a centerpiece for this exploration. Inspired by an art exhibit about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the song reflects on the paradox of beauty and destruction, a theme that resonates throughout the album. Other tracks like "Pride (In the Name of Love)," one of U2's most renowned songs, delve into historical and sociopolitical territory, paying homage to Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of non-violent protest in the civil rights movement. 

This blend of the personal with the political is a hallmark of U2's songwriting, and "The Unforgettable Fire" exemplifies their ability to balance introspective lyrics with broader, universal themes.

B-sides + rarities from The Forgettable Fire

Leave a Comment

U2 'Boy' debut album lyrics (1980)

Saturday, August 27, 2011
U2's debut album "Boy," released in 1980, presents a vivid exploration of adolescence and the transition into adulthood, capturing the essence of youthful hope, confusion, and vulnerability. The album is imbued with themes of innocence and experience, a dichotomy that resonates through its lyrics and sound. 

In tracks like "I Will Follow," there is a palpable sense of loss and devotion, reflecting the emotional turmoil that often accompanies growing up. 

The song is said to be influenced by the death of Bono's mother, adding a layer of personal grief to the universal experience of maturation. 

The theme of searching for identity and purpose is prevalent throughout the album, notably in songs like "Out of Control" and "Twilight," where the lyrics convey a restless desire for meaning and belonging in a complex world. 

Boy


"Boy" also touches on the theme of societal expectations and the pressures faced by young people, as exemplified in "An Cat Dubh" and "Into the Heart," which delve into the darker, more introspective aspects of adolescence. The raw energy and emotional intensity of the album, combined with its exploration of these themes, not only defined U2's early sound but also resonated with a generation grappling with similar issues of identity, growth, and the challenges of coming of age.

Common lyrical themes among the album's songs are the thoughts and frustrations of adolescence which is not surprising as U2 were just a bunch of 20-something Irish lads when Boy came out! U2 would later revisit these themes via albums Songs of Experience + Songs of Innocence.

Boy is probably best known for popular classic tracks "I Will Follow" and The Electric Co.

Boy Lyrics:

1. "I Will Follow"
2. "Twilight"
3. "An Cat Dubh"
4. "Into the Heart"
5. "Out of Control"

Side two

Who was the Boy on the U2 Boy album cover (1980)  ?

The boy featured on the cover of U2's Boy album (1980) is Peter Rowan, the younger brother of Guggi, a close friend of Bono and a member of the Dublin-based art and performance group The Virgin Prunes. Peter Rowan also appeared on the covers of several other U2 releases, including War (1983) and The Best of 1980-1990 compilation album.

The choice to feature a young boy on the cover was significant in aligning with the album's themes of innocence, vulnerability, and the transition from childhood to adolescence. His image became a visual representation of the album's exploration of youthful experiences, self-discovery, and emotional turbulence. 


Check out the lyrics to Street Mission which was recorded at the same sessions as Shadows and Tall Trees but never formally released to vinyl. 

Leave a Comment , ,
Powered by Blogger.

Copyright U2 Songs: Meanings + Themes + Lyrics.

Back to Top