U2 seem to write songs with lyrics about war in some form or another on just about every album they've released.
U2's engagement with the theme of war in their lyrics demonstrates the band's enduring commitment to addressing complex global issues through their music.
Often drawing from historical events and personal observations, their songs explore the ramifications of conflict, the toll it takes on humanity, and the longing for peace.
Except for Boy, that album was just full of stories....ahem.
Winter is about is a song about the experience of the armed forces in Afghanistan, where Winder's film is set.
Inspired by paintings that were about the nuclear bombs that were dropped on the two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki to effectively end Japan's involvement in World War II.
The Unforgettable Fire is not just a reflection not on war but the last effect the atomic bombs had on the people of Japan.
Arguably the most political song U2 has ever written, at least it's probably the most popular one! The lyrics are a savage indictment on American foreign policy.
Miss Sarejevo from Original Soundtracks Vol 1.
When Bono asks if there's a time for East 17 (a boy band that everyone has now forgotten) during the Bonsnian War, you've gotta ask what he's talking about.
The song's lyrics actually praises the rebellious spirit of the Sarajevan people who refused to surrender their way of life during the conflict.
And what did they do? They staged a beauty contest.
Which clearly inspired the chorus of the song, "Here she comes, heads turn around, here she comes, to take her crown".
If you could consider that the IRA's disgraceful and disgusting campaign against the people of Ireland was a civil war of sorts then Please is U2 exhorting Ireland's Political leaders to stop the civil war they had been waging.
A lyrical expression of the suffering experienced by the mothers and grandmothers of the thousands of children abducted during the conflict in Central America during the late 1970s through to the mid 1980s, particularly during Argentina's so called "Dirty War" (1976-1983). The Dirty War was a civil-style war that the American government covertly sanctioned in a bid to stop the 'communist threat' that was pervading at the time.
Given this song was written in the mid 80s one can see how it's a cousin of sorts to Bullet the Blue Sky - indeed both songs appeared on the Joshua Tree album..
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| I've got soul but I'm not a soldier |
In "Sunday Bloody Sunday," a track from their 1983 album "War," U2 delves into the horrors of the Bloody Sunday massacre in Northern Ireland. This song, with its martial drumbeat and evocative lyrics like, "Broken bottles under children's feet/Bodies strewn across the dead-end street," powerfully conveys the senselessness of violence and the deep scars left by sectarian strife.
Another notable example is "Bullet the Blue Sky," from their 1987 album "The Joshua Tree," where Bono's vivid lyrical imagery paints a stark picture of the devastation wrought by military interventions, particularly in Central America. The song's intense, almost sermon-like delivery underscores the band's critique of war and its impact on the innocent. Through these and other songs, U2 articulates a strong anti-war stance, advocating for peace and reconciliation.
Their war-themed lyrics are not just political statements; they are poignant reflections on the human cost of conflict, offering a perspective that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
U2's extensive body of work reflects their deep concern for the global and personal impacts of war, frequently framing their lyrics around the themes of conflict, human suffering, and the urgent need for peace. In "Mothers of the Disappeared," from The Joshua Tree, U2 poignantly addresses the anguish of families in Latin America who lost loved ones to military dictatorships, once again shining a light on the individual human cost of political violence.
Similarly, "Miss Sarajevo" from Original Soundtracks 1—a collaboration with Brian Eno under the name Passengers—captures the juxtaposition of beauty and brutality during the Bosnian War, emphasizing the absurdity and tragedy of life continuing in the shadow of destruction.
Even in more recent tracks like "Cedarwood Road" from Songs of Innocence, Bono explores how the violence of Northern Ireland’s Troubles shaped his personal outlook on conflict and peace. U2’s ability to weave these themes into their music, whether through direct confrontation or personal reflection, reveals a consistent thread of empathy, moral urgency, and a desire to inspire change.
Much like Guns N’ Roses’ cynical question, “What’s so civil about war anyway?,” U2’s war-themed songs interrogate the myths and justifications surrounding conflict, ultimately condemning violence and advocating for a world where peace prevails over destruction.
Except for Boy, that album was just full of stories....ahem.
Winter
A song probably taken from the No Line on the Horizon album recording sessions, Winter was used in the soundtrack for the Wim Wenders film. Brothers (U2 have a long association with Wim - he directed their video for Stay and Until the End of the World was used for the film of the same name).Winter is about is a song about the experience of the armed forces in Afghanistan, where Winder's film is set.
The Unforgettable Fire
Inspired by paintings that were about the nuclear bombs that were dropped on the two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki to effectively end Japan's involvement in World War II.
The Unforgettable Fire is not just a reflection not on war but the last effect the atomic bombs had on the people of Japan.
Bullet the Blue Sky
Arguably the most political song U2 has ever written, at least it's probably the most popular one! The lyrics are a savage indictment on American foreign policy.
Miss Sarejevo from Original Soundtracks Vol 1.
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| Please don't let them kill us... |
The song's lyrics actually praises the rebellious spirit of the Sarajevan people who refused to surrender their way of life during the conflict.
And what did they do? They staged a beauty contest.
Which clearly inspired the chorus of the song, "Here she comes, heads turn around, here she comes, to take her crown".
Please
If you could consider that the IRA's disgraceful and disgusting campaign against the people of Ireland was a civil war of sorts then Please is U2 exhorting Ireland's Political leaders to stop the civil war they had been waging.
Mothers of the Disappeared
A lyrical expression of the suffering experienced by the mothers and grandmothers of the thousands of children abducted during the conflict in Central America during the late 1970s through to the mid 1980s, particularly during Argentina's so called "Dirty War" (1976-1983). The Dirty War was a civil-style war that the American government covertly sanctioned in a bid to stop the 'communist threat' that was pervading at the time.
Given this song was written in the mid 80s one can see how it's a cousin of sorts to Bullet the Blue Sky - indeed both songs appeared on the Joshua Tree album..
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U2's lyrical references to war heated up with the release of U2 first truly 'popular' album War. Marking Bono's ascent into a true lyrical monster, War's songs features thoughts on soldiers shooting protesting civilians in Sunday Bloody Sunday.
Seconds reflects on terrorist actions in trying to set off atomic bombs (a theme U2 often turn to) in a supposed attempt to cause nuclear war.
Maybe.
Maybe they just want us all to give peace a chance like John Lennon did.
Seconds reflects on terrorist actions in trying to set off atomic bombs (a theme U2 often turn to) in a supposed attempt to cause nuclear war.
Maybe.
Maybe they just want us all to give peace a chance like John Lennon did.
2 Achtung Babies:
U2 was very vocal about the causes of wars. Protest they have done.
U2 has meaning behind each song and being from Ireland has defined their lyrics.
Incredible band, incredible messages and just so, so great!
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