This approach to songwriting won many U2 fans back and the album became their most successful in over a decade, selling over 12 million copies and winning a truck load of Grammy awards.
Following the 911 attacks in America, the lyrics of the songs took on new meaning for many American U2 fans which contribute to the album's success.
The album's opening track, "Beautiful Day," sets the tone with its optimistic outlook. The lyrics encourage finding beauty and hope in the midst of chaos and adversity, reflecting a theme of resilience and the ability to see the silver lining in every situation. This song, like much of the album, is a reminder of the power of perspective and the importance of appreciating life's simple pleasures.
In contrast, "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," inspired by the suicide of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, deals with themes of regret and the pain of loss.
The album represents a meaningful lyrical journey that blends introspection, social commentary, and a return to the more straightforward rock roots that first brought the band into the limelight.
The album, coming after the more experimental phases of the 1990s, can be seen as a reflection on life’s essentials – the things that truly matter and that we carry with us. The lyrics throughout the album are imbued with a sense of maturity, a contemplation of life’s deeper meanings, and a reconnection with their core values.
Following the 911 attacks in America, the lyrics of the songs took on new meaning for many American U2 fans which contribute to the album's success.
With its themes of resilience, hope, and human connection, the album resonated deeply during a time of collective grief and shock. Songs like "Beautiful Day" and "Walk On" took on new meaning as they echoed the emotions of a nation grappling with loss, uncertainty, and the need for healing. "
Walk On," in particular, became an anthem for endurance, with its message of moving forward despite heartbreak and devastation. The album’s underlying tone of empathy, strength, and optimism provided comfort to those who sought emotional refuge during the tragedy, making U2’s music not just a soundtrack, but a source of encouragement and unity.
1. "Beautiful Day"
2. "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of"
3. "Elevation"
4. "Walk On"
5. "Kite"
6. "In a Little While"
7. "Wild Honey"
8. "Peace on Earth"
9. "When I Look at the World"
10. "New York"
11. "Grace"
UK, Australia and Japan bonus track:
12. "The Ground Beneath Her Feet"
'All That You Can't Leave Behind' album song lyrics by U2
2. "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of"
3. "Elevation"
4. "Walk On"
5. "Kite"
6. "In a Little While"
7. "Wild Honey"
8. "Peace on Earth"
9. "When I Look at the World"
10. "New York"
11. "Grace"
UK, Australia and Japan bonus track:
12. "The Ground Beneath Her Feet"
B-sides and studio session songs
- Are You Gonna Wait Forever + Neon Light B-side on 'Vertigo' single
- Big Girls Are Best -'Stuck in A Moment' single
- Levitate - a song from the sessions.
- Always - was a finished song til the band reworked it into Beautiful Day.
In contrast, "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," inspired by the suicide of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, deals with themes of regret and the pain of loss.
The song acts as a hypothetical argument with a friend who's in a dark place, urging them to realize that their current struggles are not the defining moment of their life.
"Kite," another notable track, is laden with metaphors about change, loss, and letting go. It is often interpreted as Bono's reflection on his own mortality and the eventual need to let go of his children as they grow up. This song, like others on the album, balances personal introspection with universal themes, resonating with listeners at different stages of life.
"Walk On," dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi and her struggle for freedom in Myanmar, is an anthem of perseverance and courage in the face of injustice. The lyrics, "You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been/A place that has to be believed to be seen," speak to the journey of faith and the belief in a better future, echoing the album's motif of hope and resilience.
"Kite," another notable track, is laden with metaphors about change, loss, and letting go. It is often interpreted as Bono's reflection on his own mortality and the eventual need to let go of his children as they grow up. This song, like others on the album, balances personal introspection with universal themes, resonating with listeners at different stages of life.
"Walk On," dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi and her struggle for freedom in Myanmar, is an anthem of perseverance and courage in the face of injustice. The lyrics, "You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been/A place that has to be believed to be seen," speak to the journey of faith and the belief in a better future, echoing the album's motif of hope and resilience.
What are the numbers on the cover of all that you can't leave behind?
The numbers on the cover of U2's All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000) are J33-3, displayed on the digital departure board in the backdrop of the album artwork, which was photographed in the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
These numbers are a subtle biblical reference to Jeremiah 33:3, a verse from the Old Testament that reads: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." This verse reflects the album's themes of faith, searching, and connection, echoing the spiritual and introspective nature of many of its tracks.
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