"North and South of the River'' lyrics by U2 - B-Side

This song was a b-side on U2's Starring at the Sun single which was from the Pop album.
North and South of the River” is a reflective and politically charged song that delves into the complexities of the Northern Ireland conflict during the 1990s. Co-written by Bono, The Edge, and Irish singer-songwriter Christy Moore, the lyrics explore themes of division, reconciliation, and the yearning for peace.

The song’s title symbolizes the physical and ideological divide between Protestant unionists and Catholic nationalists in Belfast, separated by the River Lagan. Lines such as “I see your face, I look in your eyes” suggest a shared humanity amidst the entrenched divisions, emphasizing the potential for understanding and unity despite years of mistrust and violence. This empathetic approach is central to the song’s message, reflecting Bono’s commitment to using art as a bridge in politically fractured landscapes.

The lyrics also carry a deeply personal undercurrent, focusing on the emotional toll of conflict on individuals and relationships. “There was a time, we were the same” recalls a nostalgic yearning for a pre-divided state, whether literal or metaphorical, while “I'm not afraid to talk” conveys a sense of courage and openness necessary for peacebuilding. 

North and South of the River lyrics by U2

I wanna reach out over the lough
And feel your hand across the water
Walk with you along an unapproved road
Not looking over my shoulder
I wanna see and I wanna hear
To understand your fears
But we're north and south of the river

I've been doing it wrong all of my life
This holy town has turned me over
A young man running from what he didn't understand
As the wind from the lough just blew colder and colder
There was a badness that had its way
Love wasn't lost
It just got mislaid
North and south of the river
North and south of the river

Can we stop playing these old tattoos
Darling, I don't have the answer
I wanna meet you where you are
I don't need you to surrender
There is no feeling so alone
As when the one you're hurting is your own
North and south of the river
North and south of the river

Some high ground is not worth taking
Some connections are not worth making
There's an old church bell no longer ringing
And some old songs are not worth bringing

North and south of the river
North and south of the river

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