The Crystal Ballroom lyrics by U2
The Crystal Ballroom lyrics by U2
The Crystal Ballroom is a bonus song that comes with the Deluxe Edition of Songs of Innocence.
Lyrics:
Life begins with the first glance
The first kiss at the first dance
All of us are wondering why we’re here
In the crystal ballroom underneath the chandelier
Wet the glass ’til the glasses sing
We punish our hearts ’til the heart bells ring
‘Cause where we come from
We’re not always kind
The human story is what love leaves behind
We’re the ghosts of love
And we haunt this place
We’re the ghosts of love
In every face
In the ballroom of the crystalline
Everyone’s here with me tonight
Everyone but you
Our first chance is their last dance
Our life is shaped by another’s hands
Buttoning, unbuttoning her Coco dress
Stopping and unstopping every cold caress
Born for bliss, born for this
Every human life begins with a kiss
Kissed by every kind of possibility
And everyone is here tonight with me
We’re the ghosts of love
And we haunt this place
We’re the ghosts of love
In every face
In the ballroom of the crystalline
Everyone’s here with me tonight
Everybody’s here with me tonight
Everybody’s here with me but you
Everybody’s here with me tonight
Everybody’s here with me but you
Everybody’s here with me tonight
Everybody’s here with me but you
Everybody’s here with me tonight
Everybody’s here with me but you
Born for bliss, born for this
Every human life begins with a kiss
Lucifer's Hands is also another track from the Special Version of the album.
"Lucifer's Hands" lyrics by U2
"Lucifer's Hands" lyrics by U2
Along with The Crystal Ballroom, "Lucifer's Hands," is an additional track from U2's album "Songs of Innocence," released as part of the deluxe edition, delves into a blend of personal history, spiritual struggle, and the quest for redemption. This song, like many others in U2's repertoire, intertwines the band's personal narratives with broader, more universal themes, allowing listeners to find their own meanings in the lyrics.One of the primary themes of "Lucifer's Hands" is the struggle between good and evil, both externally and within oneself. The title itself, invoking the name of Lucifer, a symbol of temptation and fallen grace in Christian theology, sets the stage for a narrative about confronting inner demons and moral challenges. The lyrics, "I was chasing down the days of fear, chasing down a dream before it disappeared," suggest a journey through difficulties and uncertainties, metaphorically represented by 'Lucifer's hands' trying to take control.
The song also explores the theme of liberation and rebirth. The lines, "I got out from under Lucifer's hands, and I can dance, I can dance," indicate a triumphant escape from the grip of negative forces, whether they be personal struggles, doubts, or external challenges. This theme of liberation is not just about physical freedom, but also about spiritual and emotional awakening. The ability to dance, in this context, symbolizes joy, freedom, and the reclaiming of one's spirit after being under a dark influence.
Additionally, "Lucifer's Hands" touches on the journey of finding one's voice and identity. This is particularly evident in the line, "I was playing with fire, not feeling the heat," which can be interpreted as a young person's experimentation with danger and risk, not fully understanding or acknowledging the consequences. This recklessness is a part of the search for identity, a common theme in U2's work, especially in "Songs of Innocence," which largely reflects on the band's formative years.
The song's lyrics also reflect a sense of nostalgia and reflection. References to the band's early influences, such as Joe Strummer and The Clash, connect the song to U2's musical roots and their journey as artists. This aspect of the song links personal growth and transformation to the wider context of their musical journey and influences.
Lyrics
Punk rock party in a suburban home
Everybody’s famous here but nobody’s known
We got no music ‘cause the speaker’s blown apart
The spirit’s moving through a seaside town
I’m born again to the latest sound
New wave airwaves swirling around my heart
You no longer got a hold on me
I’m out of Lucifer’s hands
You no longer got a hold on me
You’re no longer in control of me
I am
The NME is spitting from an inky page
St. John the Divine is gonna take the stage
Like a talent show where your talent is your rage
I’m in
Prayers of fire on a raindog night
Young men see visions beyond sound or sight
The Velvets beginning to see the light
Amen
You no longer got a hold on me
I’m out of Lucifer’s hands
You no longer got a hold on me
You’re no longer in control of me
I am
Yes, I can change the world
Yes, I can change the world
The poor breaking bread
That’s made out of stone
The rich man won’t eat
He’s eating alone
That’s easy
But I can’t change the world in me
You no longer got a hold on me
I’m out of Lucifer’s hands
You no longer got a hold on me
You’re no longer in control of me
I am
Check out Song for Someone, also from Songs of Innocence.
'Sleep like a baby tonight' lyrics by U2
Sleep like a baby tonight lyrics by U2
From the Songs of Innocence album released September 9 2014. That date is poignant for U2 as that is the date Bono's mother Iris died.
Lyrics
Morning, your toast
Your tea and sugar
Read about the politician’s lover
Go through the day
Like a knife through butter
Why don’t you
You dress in the colours of forgiveness
Your eyes as red as Christmas
Purple robes are folded on the kitchen chair
You’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight
In your dreams everything is alright
Tomorrow dawns like someone else’s suicide
You’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight
Dreams
It’s a dirty business, dreaming
Where there is silence and not screaming
Where there’s no daylight
There’s no healing, no no
You’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight
In your dreams everything is alright
Tomorrow dawns like a suicide
But you’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight
Hope is where the door is
When the church is where the war is
Where no one can feel no one else’s pain
You’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight
In your dreams everything is alright
Tomorrow dawns like a suicide
But you’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight
Sleep like a baby tonight
Like a bird, your dreams take flight
Like St. Francis covered in light
You’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight
Read the lyrics to The Miracle.
Raised by Wolves lyrics by U2
Raised by Wolves lyrics by U2
A song from the album Songs of Innocence, Raised by Wolves is a recounting of an bombing in Ireland that Bono witnessed. A car bomb killed 33 people.
This is the kind of tale that Bono is using to convey how he see's William Blake's ideology at play in his life.
Lyrics
Face down on a broken street
There’s a man in the corner
In a pool of misery
I’m in white van
As a red sea covers the ground
Metal crash
I can’t tell what it is
But I take a look
And now I’m sorry I did
5:30 on a Friday night
33 good people cut down
I don’t believe anymore
I don’t believe anymore
Face down on a pillow of shame
There are some girls with a needle
Tryin’ to spell my name
My body’s not a canvas
My body’s now a toilet wall
I don’t believe anymore
I don’t believe anymore
Raised by wolves
Stronger than fear
Raised by wolves
We were raised by wolves
Raised by wolves
Stronger than fear
If I open my eyes
You disappear
Running wild
Running wild
Running wild
Boy sees his father
Crushed under the weight
Of a cross in a passion
Where the passion is hate
Running wild
Blue mink Ford
I’m gonna detonate in your den
Running wild
Blood in the house
Blood in the street
The worst things in the world
Are justified by belief
Running wild
Registration 1385-WZ
Running wild
I don’t believe anymore
Running wild
I don’t believe anymore
Raised by wolves
Stronger than fear
Raised by wolves
We were raised by wolves
Raised by wolves
Stronger than fear
If I open my eyes
You disappear
Running wild
Running wild
Running wild
Running wild
Running wild
Check out the lyrics to Song for Someone, also from U2's Songs of Innocence album.
Cedarwood Road lyrics by U2
U2 getting old... |
The lyrics found on Songs of Innocence from where this song hails are full of personal moments from writer Bono. Iris, is about his mother and Cedarwood Road is about the street where Bono grew up at number 10. His friends Guggi Rowan and Gavin Friday grew up with them - Gavin Friday went on to become semi famous with his own music - Bono dedicated Cedarwood Road to Guggi.
Lyrics
I was running down the road
The fear was all I knew
I was looking for a soul that’s real
Then I ran into you
And that cherry blossom tree
Was a gateway to the sun
And friendship, once it’s won
It’s won, it’s one
Northside
Just across the river to the Southside
That’s a long way here
All the green and all the gold
The hurt you hide
The joy you hold
The foolish pride
That gets you out the door
Up on Cedarwood Road
On Cedarwood Road
Sleepwalking down the road
Not waking from these dreams
‘Cause it’s never dead
It’s still my dead
It was a warzone in my teens
I’m still standing on that street
Still need an enemy
The worst ones I can’t see
You can, you can
Northside
Just across the river to the Southside
That’s a long way here
All the green and all the gold
The hurt you hide
And the joy you hold
The foolish pride
That sends you back for more
Up on Cedarwood Road
On Cedarwood Road
If the door is open it isn’t theft
You can’t return to where you’ve never left
Blossoms falling from a tree
They cover you and cover me
Symbols clashing, bibles smashing
Paint the world you need to see
Sometimes fear is the only place
That we can call our home
Cedarwood Road
And a heart that is broken
Is a heart that is open
Open, open
The fear was all I knew
I was looking for a soul that’s real
Then I ran into you
And that cherry blossom tree
Was a gateway to the sun
And friendship, once it’s won
It’s won, it’s one
Northside
Just across the river to the Southside
That’s a long way here
All the green and all the gold
The hurt you hide
The joy you hold
The foolish pride
That gets you out the door
Up on Cedarwood Road
On Cedarwood Road
Sleepwalking down the road
Not waking from these dreams
‘Cause it’s never dead
It’s still my dead
It was a warzone in my teens
I’m still standing on that street
Still need an enemy
The worst ones I can’t see
You can, you can
Northside
Just across the river to the Southside
That’s a long way here
All the green and all the gold
The hurt you hide
And the joy you hold
The foolish pride
That sends you back for more
Up on Cedarwood Road
On Cedarwood Road
If the door is open it isn’t theft
You can’t return to where you’ve never left
Blossoms falling from a tree
They cover you and cover me
Symbols clashing, bibles smashing
Paint the world you need to see
Sometimes fear is the only place
That we can call our home
Cedarwood Road
And a heart that is broken
Is a heart that is open
Open, open
Check out the lyrics to U2's Volcano which can also be found ripping it up on Songs of Innocence.
Volcano lyrics by U2
Volcano lyrics by U2
The world is spinning fast tonight
You can hurt yourself tryin’ to hold on
To what you used to be
I’m so glad the past is gone
Been out in the wild
Been out in the night
Been out of your mind
Do you live here or is this a vacation
Volcano
You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know
Volcano
Something in you wants to blow
Volcano
You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know
Your eyes were like landing lights
They used to be the clearest blue
Now you don’t see so well
The future’s gonna land on you
Been out in the wild
Been out in the night
Been out of your mind
Do you live here or is this a vacation
Volcano
You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know
Volcano
Something in you wants to blow
Volcano
You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know
You’re on a piece of ground above a volcano
You were alone
And now you’re not alone
You were alone
But you are rock n’ roll
You and I are rock n’ roll
But you are rock n’ roll
You and I are rock n’ roll
Oh, volcano
You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know
Volcano
Something in you wants to blow
Volcano
You don’t wanna, you don’t wanna know
You’re on a piece of ground above a volcano
U2's Songs of Innocence lyrics
U2's Songs of Innocence album lyrics
U2 had apparently recorded several albums worth of musical material since No Line of the Horizon and they felt it was time to let some of those songs free into the wild for their rabid fans to enjoy the sonic goodness.
U2, have also followed up with Songs of Experience. This album thematically complements Songs of Innocence and is inspired by the works of William Blake.
Bono said on the album's release date of 9 September 2014:
"Remember us? Pleased to announce myself, Edge, Adam and Larry have finally given birth to our new baby… Songs of Innocence. It’s been a while. We wanted to get it right for you/us."
Of note is that Every Breaking Wave made it on the to album - it was played live on tour a few years back.
Here's the track listing:
- The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)
- Every Breaking Wave
- California (There Is No End To Love)
- Song For Someone
- Iris (Hold Me Close)
- Volcano
- Raised By Wolves
- Cedarwood Road
- Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
- This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
- The Troubles

Iris (Hold Me Close) lyrics by U2
Iris (Hold Me Close) lyrics by U2
Iris should not be confused with the popular 1990's song 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls. You could be forgiven for this though as that song also appeared on the City of Angels soundtrack with U2's If God Will Send his Angels.
Iris is directly inspired by Bono's mother, Iris Hewson. Bono has previously referenced Iris in Tommorrow from the October album.
The song contains contains a cute reference to Kraftwerk. Bono said 'My mother [died] just as I was discovering girls. One of the girls I was discovering was Ali... she arrived at Mount Temple in the same month. The first lover’s gift I gave Ali was a Kraftwerk album called The Man Machine. So I referred to that.' with the line "It was you made me your man/Machine.’
Songs of Innocence was released, through sheer coincidence, 40 years to the day that Iris died.
Bono also noted to Rolling Stone Magazine that he was later inspired to rewrite part of the song after being deeply moved by the late ISIS hostage James Foley's letter to his family. "I realized," Bono says, "that we will all be remembered, and we remember our loved ones, by the least profound moments. The simplest moments. In the letter he says to his brother, 'I remember playing werewolf in the dark with you.'
Iris lyrics by U2
The star that gives us light
Has been gone a while
But it’s not an illusion
The ache in my heart
Is so much a part of who I am
Something in your eyes
Took a thousand years to get here
Something in your eyes
Took a thousand years, a thousand years
Hold me close
Hold me close and don’t let me go
Hold me close
Like I’m someone that you might know
Hold me close
The darkness just lets us see
Who we are
I’ve got your life inside of me
Iris, Iris
Once we are born
We begin to forget
The very reason we came
But you I’m sure I’ve met
Long before the night
The start went out
We’re meeting up again
Hold me close
Hold me close and don’t let me go
Hold me close
Like I’m someone that you might know
Hold me close
The darkness just lets us see
Who we are
I’ve got your life inside of me
Iris, Iris
The start are bright
But do they know
The universe is beautiful but cold
You took me by the hand
I thought that I was leading you
But it was you made me your man
Machine, I dream where you are
Iris standing in the hall
She tells me I can do it all
Iris wakes to my nightmare
Don’t fear the world
It isn’t there
Iris playing on the strand
She buries the boy beneath the sand
Iris says that I will be the death of her
It was not me
Iris, Iris
She said free yourself to be yourself
If only you could see yourself
Free yourself to be yourself
If only you could see
U2 have written a of songs which make references to parents. A notable effort was Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own from the All That You Can't Leave Behind album.
Iris should not be confused with the popular 1990's song 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls. You could be forgiven for this though as that song also appeared on the City of Angels soundtrack with U2's If God Will Send his Angels.
Iris is directly inspired by Bono's mother, Iris Hewson. Bono has previously referenced Iris in Tommorrow from the October album.
The song contains contains a cute reference to Kraftwerk. Bono said 'My mother [died] just as I was discovering girls. One of the girls I was discovering was Ali... she arrived at Mount Temple in the same month. The first lover’s gift I gave Ali was a Kraftwerk album called The Man Machine. So I referred to that.' with the line "It was you made me your man/Machine.’
Songs of Innocence was released, through sheer coincidence, 40 years to the day that Iris died.
Bono also noted to Rolling Stone Magazine that he was later inspired to rewrite part of the song after being deeply moved by the late ISIS hostage James Foley's letter to his family. "I realized," Bono says, "that we will all be remembered, and we remember our loved ones, by the least profound moments. The simplest moments. In the letter he says to his brother, 'I remember playing werewolf in the dark with you.'
Iris lyrics by U2
The star that gives us light
Has been gone a while
But it’s not an illusion
The ache in my heart
Is so much a part of who I am
Something in your eyes
Took a thousand years to get here
Something in your eyes
Took a thousand years, a thousand years
Hold me close
Hold me close and don’t let me go
Hold me close
Like I’m someone that you might know
Hold me close
The darkness just lets us see
Who we are
I’ve got your life inside of me
Iris, Iris
Once we are born
We begin to forget
The very reason we came
But you I’m sure I’ve met
Long before the night
The start went out
We’re meeting up again
Hold me close
Hold me close and don’t let me go
Hold me close
Like I’m someone that you might know
Hold me close
The darkness just lets us see
Who we are
I’ve got your life inside of me
Iris, Iris
The start are bright
But do they know
The universe is beautiful but cold
You took me by the hand
I thought that I was leading you
But it was you made me your man
Machine, I dream where you are
Iris standing in the hall
She tells me I can do it all
Iris wakes to my nightmare
Don’t fear the world
It isn’t there
Iris playing on the strand
She buries the boy beneath the sand
Iris says that I will be the death of her
It was not me
Iris, Iris
She said free yourself to be yourself
If only you could see yourself
Free yourself to be yourself
If only you could see
U2 have written a of songs which make references to parents. A notable effort was Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own from the All That You Can't Leave Behind album.
California (There Is No End To Love) lyrics by U2
California (There Is No End To Love) lyrics by U2
Produced by: Declan Gaffney, Paul Epworth and Danger Mouse and taken from the Songs of Innocence album.
Lyrics
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
California
Then we fell into the shining sea
Well, that’s what took me
Where I need to be
Which is here, out on Zuma
Watching you cry like a baby
California, at the dawn
You thought would never come
But it did like it always does
All I know
And all I need to know
Is there is no end to love
I didn’t call you
Words can scare a thought away
Everyone’s a star in our town
It’s just your light gets dimmer
If you have to stay
In your bedroom, in a mirror
Watching yourself cry like a baby
California, blood orange sunset
Brings you to your knees
I’ve seen for myself
There’s no end to grief
That’s how I know
That’s how I know
And why I need to know
That there is no
Yeah, there is no end to love
All I know and all I need to know
Is there is no
Yeah, there is no end to love
Barbara, Barbara
There is no end to love
All I know and all I need to know
Is there is no
Yeah, there is no end to love
We come and go
But stolen days you don’t give back
Stolen days are just enough
Produced by: Declan Gaffney, Paul Epworth and Danger Mouse and taken from the Songs of Innocence album.
Lyrics
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
Barbara, Santa Barbara
California
Then we fell into the shining sea
Well, that’s what took me
Where I need to be
Which is here, out on Zuma
Watching you cry like a baby
California, at the dawn
You thought would never come
But it did like it always does
All I know
And all I need to know
Is there is no end to love
I didn’t call you
Words can scare a thought away
Everyone’s a star in our town
It’s just your light gets dimmer
If you have to stay
In your bedroom, in a mirror
Watching yourself cry like a baby
California, blood orange sunset
Brings you to your knees
I’ve seen for myself
There’s no end to grief
That’s how I know
That’s how I know
And why I need to know
That there is no
Yeah, there is no end to love
All I know and all I need to know
Is there is no
Yeah, there is no end to love
Barbara, Barbara
There is no end to love
All I know and all I need to know
Is there is no
Yeah, there is no end to love
We come and go
But stolen days you don’t give back
Stolen days are just enough
The Miracle (of Joey Ramone) lyrics by U2
The Miracle (of Joey Ramone) lyrics by U2
The Miracle is the first song from U2's album Songs of Innocence.
It's an ode to U2's love of the Ramones, a band they consider very influential on the themselves. U2 have previously covered Beat on the Brat by the Ramones and the song, In a Little While from All That You Can't Leave Behind was also dedicated to Joey Ramone following his death.
Marky Ramone, a longtime Ramones Drummer said of the track 'I’m very grateful U2 wrote a song about my former friend and bandmate Joey Ramone. Joey would have been honored. It is well-deserved.'
The song was produced by three players Danger Mouse, Paul Epworth and Ryan Tedder.
Marky Ramone, a longtime Ramones Drummer said of the track 'I’m very grateful U2 wrote a song about my former friend and bandmate Joey Ramone. Joey would have been honored. It is well-deserved.'
The song was produced by three players Danger Mouse, Paul Epworth and Ryan Tedder.
Lyrics:
![]() |
Joey Ramone |
Chasing down a dream before it disappeared
I was aching to be somewhere new
Your voice was all I heard
I was shaking from a storm in me
Haunted by the spectors that we had to see
Yeah, I wanted to be the melody
Above the noise, above the herd
I was young, not dumb
Just wishing to be blinded
By you, brand new
And we were pilgrims on our way
I woke up at the moment when the miracle occurred
Heard a song that made some sense out of the world
Everything I ever lost now has been returned
The most beautiful sound I ever heard
We've got language so we can communicate
Religion so I can love and hate
Music so I can exaggerate my pain
And give it a name
We can hear, we can hear
We can hear, ooh
I woke up at the moment when the miracle had come
I get so many things I don't deserve
All the stolen voices may some day be returned
The most beautiful sound I ever heard
And your voices will be heard
And your voices will be heard
Check out the lyrics to The Troubles, also from Songs of Innocence.
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