"The Troubles" song lyrics by U2

The Troubles is a song by U2 that can be found as the closing track of Songs of Innocence.

U2 delves into the haunting dynamics of domestic violence, a theme that Bono has described as "uncomfortable." 

The lyrics, marked by repetition and a haunting refrain, reflect a deep exploration of violation and the insidious erosion of self that often accompanies abusive relationships. 

The line "Somebody stepped inside your soul" serves as a chilling metaphor for emotional invasion, suggesting a loss of autonomy as the abuser takes control. 

The imagery of theft—"Little by little they robbed and stole"—evokes a gradual but profound dismantling of one's identity, echoing the experience of victims who find themselves unwittingly transformed by the torment of another. This encroachment into the inner sanctum of the soul not only speaks to the immediacy of violence but also to the psychological scars that linger long after the physical wounds have healed.

Bono's lyrics convey a palpable tension between vulnerability and resilience, particularly in the stark declaration, "I have a will for survival." This assertion underscores the struggle for agency in the face of relentless pain, encapsulating the push and pull of hope and despair. 

The line "I can live with denial, but you’re not my troubles anymore" illustrates a pivotal moment of self-assertion, suggesting that the speaker has reached a critical juncture where acknowledgment and acceptance intersect. The concluding lines, where the narrator proclaims their nakedness and lack of shame, symbolize a powerful reclamation of selfhood. 

This reclamation, coupled with the realization that they no longer identify with the troubles imposed by another, culminates in an empowering statement of liberation. U2, through the poignant craftsmanship of their lyrics, not only sheds light on the harrowing realities of abuse but also offers a glimmer of hope for healing and self-discovery.

In a rare move the song features Swedish indie singer-songwriter Lykke Li as a lead singer.

She said of the opportunity to appear on the album, that Danger Mouse texted her saying Hey, do you want to sing on a U2 track?'" to which she responded "Yeah, I don't know. Sure.' It was a random question to ask."

Li also said "The song already has so much depth to it, you don't even need to fully understand what the lyrics are about to understand it in your soul and heart."

"The Troubles" song lyrics by U2

Somebody stepped inside your soul
Somebody stepped inside your soul
Little by little they robbed and stole
Till someone else was in control

You think it’s easier
To put your finger on the trouble
When the trouble is you
And you think it’s easier
To know your own tricks
Well, it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do

I have a will for survival
So you can hurt me
And then hurt me some more
I can live with denial
But you’re not my troubles anymore

Somebody stepped inside your soul
Somebody stepped inside your soul
Little by little they robbed and stole
Till someone else was in control

Somebody stepped inside your soul
Somebody stepped inside your soul
Little by little they robbed and stole
Till someone else was in control

You think it’s easier
To give up on the trouble
If the trouble is destroying you
You think it’s easier
But before you throw me a rope
It was the one thing I could hold on to

I have a will for survival
So you can hurt me
And then hurt me some more
I can live with denial
But you’re not my troubles anymore

Somebody stepped inside your soul
Somebody stepped inside your soul
Little by little they robbed and stole
Till someone else was in control

Somebody stepped inside your soul
Somebody stepped inside your soul
Little by little they robbed and stole
Till someone else was in control

Got knows it’s not easy
Taking on the shape of someone else’s pain
Got now you can see me
I’m naked and I’m not afraid
My body’s sacred and I’m not ashamed

Somebody stepped inside your soul
Somebody stepped inside your soul
Little by little they robbed and stole
Till someone else was in control

Somebody stepped inside your soul
Somebody stepped inside your soul
Little by little they robbed and stole
Till someone else was in control

Check out the lyrics to Every Breaking Wave and The Miracle from the same album.

* U2's song Ito Okashi from the Passengers days featured Japanese singer Akiko Kobayashi and of course, the Grammy Award winning Zooropa featured the late and great Johnny Cash on The Wanderer.

3 comments songs of innocence, the troubles