"Landlady," a track from U2's 2017 album "Songs of Experience," offers a unique and deeply personal exploration of themes centering around love, gratitude, and the transformative power of a significant relationship. This song, while less overtly political or socially charged than many of U2's other works, delves into the intimate and profound impact of love and support in one's life.
At its core, "Landlady" is a tribute to a nurturing and sustaining love. The song is widely interpreted as an ode from Bono to his wife, Ali, who has been a constant presence in his life since their teenage years. The title itself, "Landlady," metaphorically represents someone who provides shelter, not just in a physical sense, but emotionally and spiritually.
This idea is beautifully encapsulated in the lyrics, "Every wave that broke me, Every song that wrote me, Every dawn that woke me, Was to get me home to you, see." Here, the 'landlady' is portrayed as a guiding force, a stable presence that helps navigate the tumultuous journey of life.
Roam, the phone is where I live till I get home
And when the doorbell rings you tell me that I have a key
I ask you how you know it's me
The road, no road without a turn and if there was
The road would be too long
What keeps us standing in this view
Is the view that we can be brand new
Landlady takes me up in the air
I go, I go where I would not dare
Landlady shows me the stars up there
I'm weightless, weightless when she is there
And I'll never know, never know what starving poets meant
Cos' when I was broke, it was you that always paid the rent
Space, her place is where I found my parking space
And when I'm losing ground, you know she gives it back to me
She whispers don't do just be
Landlady takes me up in the air
I go, I go where I would not dare
Landlady shows me the stars up there
I'm weightless, weightless when she is there
And I'll never know, never know what starving poets meant
Cos' when I was broke, it was you that always paid the rent
Every wave that broke me
Every song that wrote me
Every dawn that woke me
Was to get me home to you to see
Every soul that left me
Every heart that kept me
The strangers that protected me
To bring me back to you
Every magic potion
Every false emotion
I was swerving our devotion
To the lies we know are almost true
Every sweet confusion
Every grand illusion
I will win and call it losing
If the prize is not for you
'Landlady' song lyrics by U2
And when the doorbell rings you tell me that I have a key
I ask you how you know it's me
The road, no road without a turn and if there was
The road would be too long
What keeps us standing in this view
Is the view that we can be brand new
Landlady takes me up in the air
I go, I go where I would not dare
Landlady shows me the stars up there
I'm weightless, weightless when she is there
And I'll never know, never know what starving poets meant
Cos' when I was broke, it was you that always paid the rent
Space, her place is where I found my parking space
And when I'm losing ground, you know she gives it back to me
She whispers don't do just be
Landlady takes me up in the air
I go, I go where I would not dare
Landlady shows me the stars up there
I'm weightless, weightless when she is there
And I'll never know, never know what starving poets meant
Cos' when I was broke, it was you that always paid the rent
Every wave that broke me
Every song that wrote me
Every dawn that woke me
Was to get me home to you to see
Every soul that left me
Every heart that kept me
The strangers that protected me
To bring me back to you
Every magic potion
Every false emotion
I was swerving our devotion
To the lies we know are almost true
Every sweet confusion
Every grand illusion
I will win and call it losing
If the prize is not for you
-
The theme of gratitude is prevalent throughout the song. Bono acknowledges the sacrifices and support his 'landlady' has offered over the years. This gratitude is not just for the love received but also for the inspiration and strength derived from this relationship. The lines, "You're the reason why the opera is in me," suggest that the support and love from the 'landlady' have been integral to his artistic expression and personal growth.
There's also an exploration of the theme of redemption and support in the face of challenges. The song reflects on how having a supportive partner can be a grounding force, especially in the context of fame and the chaotic lifestyle that often accompanies it. The 'landlady' is seen as the anchor in the ever-changing and often challenging world that the narrator inhabits.
Moreover, "Landlady" touches on the theme of enduring love. Unlike many love songs that focus on the early stages of romance, this track delves into the depth and complexity of a long-standing relationship. It celebrates a love that has endured the test of time, evolving and growing stronger through shared experiences and challenges.
There's also an exploration of the theme of redemption and support in the face of challenges. The song reflects on how having a supportive partner can be a grounding force, especially in the context of fame and the chaotic lifestyle that often accompanies it. The 'landlady' is seen as the anchor in the ever-changing and often challenging world that the narrator inhabits.
Moreover, "Landlady" touches on the theme of enduring love. Unlike many love songs that focus on the early stages of romance, this track delves into the depth and complexity of a long-standing relationship. It celebrates a love that has endured the test of time, evolving and growing stronger through shared experiences and challenges.
2 Achtung Babies:
Vivement ✌😉
U2 you have been my wing since i met you with my drummer boss who is also a wing (thought of the ones who saw the making of the ROCK STAR. We showed each other the stars there in Alaska, U2, and Val is now fighting late stage cancer, and still, ( i am val ) be my wing for the land is farther away, I love you and be free and fly and climb the stars any day you wish, lov, val
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