U2's songs inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.

U2's The Unforgettable Fire was their break-through album which gave them a taste of success in America before they went supernova with The Joshua Tree. A key part of that was the first single, Pride which stormed up the charts.

The single struck a minor chord as listeners quickly realised the song was about Martin Luther King, the man who had a dream that America would be come a country where everyone was considered equal.

The album also featured a second song, MLK, which was a poignant end to the album.

These two songs were part of Bono's burgeoning interest in American history and the civil struggles black people face(d). U2 would later explore more of America's 'blues' in Rattle and Hum.

Pride (In the name of love)

This song was a fairly political piece written by Bono about rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. It is one of the U2's most recognized songs and is frequently played live.

Pride was major commercial success for the band and has since come to be regarded as one of the band's best songs. It was named the 378th greatest song by Rolling Stone Magazine on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Pride's lyrical theme was originally intended to be about US President Ronald Reagan's pride in America's military power but Bono was ultimately influenced by Stephen B. Oates's book Let The Trumpet Sound: A Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a biography of Malcolm X.

"MLK"

We trust you get what MLK stands for.

The other song from The Unforgettable Fire album that references the American civil rights proponent.

Sang as a dreamy lullaby of sorts, its lyrics suggest that the following generations will be able to sleep easy following the hard work of Luther.

 I think what Bono is meaning is that they can dream now that Luther's own 'American dream' has in many ways been and continues to be realised.

'Summer of Love' song lyrics by U2

Summer of Love,” a standout track from U2’s Songs of Experience, encapsulates the longing for connection and the yearning for solace amid societal turmoil. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, as Bono reflects on the fleeting nature of love and the idealism of summer. 

With lines like “In the summer of love, we were young and alive,” the song paints a vivid picture of a time marked by hope, freedom, and the pursuit of joy. This longing for simpler, happier moments resonates deeply with listeners, especially in the context of a world often fraught with conflict and uncertainty.

Throughout the song, there is a powerful contrast between the idyllic imagery of summer and the harsh realities that exist beyond it. The refrain “Where the love is, I’ll be there” suggests an unwavering commitment to seeking out love and connection, even in the face of adversity. 

This theme of resilience is further emphasized by the acknowledgement of societal struggles, as Bono highlights the challenges faced by individuals striving to maintain hope in a fragmented world. The juxtaposition of love’s warmth against a backdrop of chaos mirrors the overarching theme of Songs of Experience, which explores the complexities of human relationships in a turbulent context.

Moreover, the song resonates with broader cultural and social movements, echoing the spirit of the 1960s and 70s idealism while grounding itself in contemporary issues.

The concept of a “summer of love” serves as a metaphor for a time when hope and connection feel attainable, contrasting sharply with the present realities that can often feel overwhelming. 

By invoking this imagery, U2 invites listeners to reflect on the enduring power of love as a source of strength and resilience. Ultimately, “Summer of Love” is not only a celebration of romantic connection but also a poignant reminder of the importance of nurturing love and compassion in a world that often challenges our ability to do so.

U2's Summer of Love song lyrics by U2 from Songs of Experience

The winter
Doesn't want you
It haunts you
Summer serenadings
A long way
From this frozen place
Your face
Our teacher
Our preacher
It's nature
And like flowers growing in a bomb crater
From nothing
A rose
It grows

I've been thinking about the West Coast
Not the one that everyone knows
I'm sick of living in the shadows
We have one more chance before the light goes
For a summer of love
A summer of love

We're freezing
We're leaving
Believing
That all we need is to head over somewhere
In a summer
To come
So we run

I've been thinking about the West Coast
Not the one that everyone knows
I'm sick of living in the shadows
We have one more chance before the light goes
For a summer of love
A summer of love

Oh and when all is lost
When all is lost we find out what remains
Oh the same oceans crossed
The suns pleasure
The sun it's pink

I've been thinking about the West Coast
Not the one that everyone knows
In the rubble of Aleppo
Flowers blooming in the shadows
For a summer of love
A summer of love

Some other titles of songs mentioned by Bono for the Songs of Experience album include:

• The Little Things that give you away
• Red Flag Day
• The Showman (Much More Better)

'Red Flag Day' song lyrics by U2

“Red Flag Day,” a standout track from U2’s Songs of Experience, delves into themes of urgency, activism, and the complexities of human emotion against the backdrop of contemporary societal challenges such as the then Syrian refugee crisis.

The song opens with vivid imagery and a sense of immediacy, as Bono reflects on the urgency of the current climate, both personally and politically. Lines like “The stars are out tonight / The sky is not the limit” suggest an expansive vision that contrasts sharply with the existential anxieties permeating everyday life. 

This juxtaposition creates a sense of tension that is palpable throughout the song, prompting listeners to confront both the beauty and the peril that coexist in the world around them.

At its core, “Red Flag Day” serves as a poignant commentary on the fragility of existence and the need for vigilance in the face of adversity. The recurring motif of a "red flag" symbolizes warnings and alerts, urging listeners to pay attention to the critical issues at hand. 

Ultimately, “Red Flag Day” stands as a testament to U2’s enduring commitment to social and political issues, while also reflecting the deeply personal experiences of its members. 

The song encapsulates the complex interplay of love, loss, and activism, emphasizing that the pursuit of a better world is inherently tied to our shared human experience. 

'Red Flag Day' lyrics by U2 from the Songs of Experience album.

I am made of all that I'm afraid of
I'm most afraid of losing you
Hell's a season
You're the reason that I even dreamt of getting through
I, I can feel your body shaking
I, I will meet you where the waves are breaking

Baby it's a Red Flag Day
Baby let's get in the water
Taken out by a wave
Where we've never been before

Baby it's a Red Flag Day
Baby let's go a bit further
Paradise is a place
You can see when it's yours
Red Flag Day
Red Flag Day

Sun comes here and oceanic feeling
Sky will soon be clear
Today we can't afford to be afraid of what we fear
I, I can feel your body shaking
I, I will meet you where the waves are breaking

Baby it's a Red Flag Day
Baby let's get in the water
Taken out by a wave
Where we've never been before

Baby it's a Red Flag Day
Baby let's go a bit further
Paradise is a place
You can see when it's yours

Red Flag Day
Baby it's a Red Flag Day
Red Flag Day

Not even news today
So many lost in the sea last night
One word that the sea can’t say
Is no, no, no, no

Baby it's a Red Flag Day
Red Flag Day
Baby it's a Red Flag Day
Baby let's get in the water

Other tracks from Songs of Experience:

• The Little Things that give you away
• The Best Thing
• The Showman

The lyrics of this song possibly have a call back to Every Breaking Wave from Songs of Innocence.

"The Showman (Much More Better) song lyrics by U2

“The Showman (Little More Better)” from U2's Songs of Experience presents a candid and introspective exploration of Bono's identity as a rock star, blending personal reflection with a critique of the performative nature of fame. The track opens with an energetic, upbeat rhythm, inviting listeners into a world where the dichotomy of celebrity and authenticity takes center stage. 

Bono’s lyrics evoke a sense of self-awareness as he grapples with the complexities of his public persona, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist who constantly navigates the tension between performance and reality.

Bono has said of the song, "It's like something from Rubber Soul," he says. "It's about singers. It's not me." 

He lies though and indeed he said to Rolling Stone Magazine

"There's a song called "The Showman" which is a letter to our audience, it's kind of about performers and how you shouldn't trust them too much. It's about me, haha."

At the heart of the song lies a recognition of the emotional highs and lows associated with life in the spotlight. Bono sings about the pressures and expectations that come with fame, reflecting on the notion that being a "showman" requires a delicate balance between personal expression and the demands of an audience. The refrain, “Just a little more better,” encapsulates the pursuit of perfection and the constant striving for improvement that defines the life of a performer. 

Bono's lyrics also touch on the idea of vulnerability that often lies beneath the surface of a charismatic facade. Lines such as “I’m still the same, I’m just a little more better” reveal an underlying sincerity as he reflects on his evolution as an artist and an individual. This duality—balancing the showmanship of rock stardom with the yearning for authenticity—adds depth to the narrative, reminding listeners that behind the glitz and glamor, there exists a person grappling with the same insecurities and doubts as anyone else. 

The Showman (Much More Better) song lyrics by U2

Baby's crying cause it's born to sing
Singers cry about everything
Still in the playground falling off a swing
But you know that I know

Walk through the room like a birthday cake
When I am all lit up, I can't make a mistake
And there's a level of shallow that you just can't fake
But you know that I know

Oh you don't care
But you know I'm there

You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
Just a little more little more
Look so good
That's what's gonna get you
Look so good
Just a little more little more

You know you're chasing the sunlight
That's why I'm stayin' up all night
You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
A little more

It is what it is but it's not what it seems
This screwed up stuff is the stuff of dreams
I got just enough low self esteem
To get me where I want to go

The showman gives you front row to his heart
The showman prays his heartache will chart
Making a spectacle of falling apart
Is just the start of the show

Oh you don't care
But you know I'm there

You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
Just a little more little more
Look so good

That's what's gonna get you
Look so good
Little more, little more

I'll be chasing the sunlight
That's why I'm staying up all night
I lie for a living, I love to let on
But you make it true when you sing along

You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
Just a little more little more
Look so good
That's what's gonna get you
Look so good
Just a little more, little more

You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
Just a little more little more
Look so good
That's what's gonna get you
Look so good
Just a little more, little more

-

Musically, “The Showman (Little More Better)” features lively instrumentation, with The Edge's characteristic guitar work contributing to the song's vibrant energy. This upbeat sound contrasts with the introspective lyrics, creating an engaging tension that reflects the song's exploration of fame's dual nature. The infectious rhythm invites listeners to celebrate the art of performance while simultaneously engaging with the deeper themes of identity and self-discovery.

Through this track, U2 offers a nuanced portrayal of fame that acknowledges both its allure and its challenges, inviting listeners to contemplate the complexities of identity in the modern world. In doing so, the song stands as a testament to Bono’s enduring quest for authenticity amid the dazzling but often isolating world of rock and roll.

-

Other songs from SOE:

• The Little Things that give you away
• The Best Thing

You're The Best Thing About Me was the first single to be released from the Songs of Experience album.

What is Bono's 'Dream Out Loud' Lyric all about?

What is Bono's 'Dream Out Loud' Lyric all about?

Keen listeners to U2 might have heard Bono sing the lyric 'dream out loud' on a few U2 songs.

Here's a brief run down on what those songs are.

Lucky fans who attended the Love Town Tour in the late 80's might have head Bono first ad lib the line into the live set.

A couple of years later after U2 dreamt it all up again, Achtung Baby's Acrobat featured the lyrics:

"And you can dream
So dream out loud
And don't let the bastards grind you down"

In this case dreaming out loud would appear to be the exercise of getting on with getting your dreams and schemes accomplished.

The coda in the title track of "Zooropa" repeated "dream out loud" as a kind of mantra, which Bono supposedly included as a direct reference to "Acrobat". Given the Zooropa album is often considered a cousin or companion album to Achtung Baby, it's a nice little link that Bono made.

In the Pop era 'dream out loud' was spoken by Bono in the PopMart: Live from Mexico City video.

Finally, dream out load was was also used in the b-side to Beautiful Day in the song "Always'

"Get down off your holy cloud,
always God will not deal with the proud, always
Well if you dream then dream out loud, always
Eternally yours, always"

I think that's it - any other references in his lyrics that Bono has made?

How many Grammy Awards have U2 won?

What number of Grammy Awards has U2 won?

When you're a band that makes music as good as U2, the rewards and accolades soon start to come your way. So much so, that the moment you hit big, you also hit big with Grammy Awards.

The most coveted of all music prizes, the Grammy Awards are the true measure of success. If they give one to Michael Jackson, you should want one too.

And funnily enough, U2 have won more Grammy's than Wacko Jacko who took 13.

How many? In total, it's 22.

Here's a list of all the Grammy Awards U2 have won, most recent to first.  

2005 - 48TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Album Of The Year

How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal

Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

Best Rock Song

City Of Blinding Lights

Best Rock Album

How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

Song Of The Year

Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

2004 - 47TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal

Vertigo

Best Rock Song

Vertigo

Best Short Form Music Video

Vertigo

2001 - 44TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Record Of The Year

Walk On

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal

Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal

Elevation

Best Rock Album

All That You Can't Leave Behind

2000 - 43RD ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Record Of The Year

Beautiful Day

Song Of The Year

Beautiful Day

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal

Beautiful Day

1994 - 37TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Music Video, Long Form

Zoo TV - Live From Sydney

1993 - 36TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Alternative Music Album

Zooropa

1992 - 35TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal

Achtung Baby

1988 - 31ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal

Desire

Best Performance Music Video

Where The Streets Have No Name

1987 - 30TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Album Of The Year

The Joshua Tree

U2 have also won a Golden Globe Award for their song, 'The Hands that built America' which was used on the soundtrack to Martin Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York film.

U2 have been nominated for two Oscars for Best Original song being The Hands That Built America and also for 'Ordinary Love'. The latter song was inspired by Nelson Mandela and was included on the Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. movie. Neither song won the gong!

How many number one albums has U2 had?

List of U2's number one studio albums 

When you look back at U2's career thus far you can really get an appreciation for all their albums. Starting out as unknown band from Ireland, album by album U2 grew in popularity in the UK and after relentless touring in America U2 made it big with the number one album, The Joshua Tree.

They then have a clear 'middle period' where they went a bit experimental and then returning to their more classic roots beginning with All That You Can't Leave Behind which fostered several hit singles.

So how many number one albums have U2 had?

There are several ways of cutting this as their are so many countries that U2 had number ones in (does a NZ #1 count if you're an American?) so lets do it first by the United Kingdom and then America.

List of U2 number one studio albums from the United Kingdom

• Songs of Surrender
• No Line on the Horizon
• How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
• All That You Can't Leave Behind
• Pop
• Zooropa
• Rattle and Hum
• The Joshua Tree
• The Unforgettable Fire
• War

So U2 have had 10 number one studio albums on the UK charts. That's not the most though. The Beatles, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie and the Rolling Stones have done as good or better.

Incredibly, Achtung Baby only hit number 2 on the charts. Songs of Innocence made it to number 6 - a very strong showing because U2 released it for free to I-tunes as part of a distribution deal with Apple.

The Joshua Tree has been U2's best selling album, moving approximately 2.8 million copies, making it the 36th most popular selling album of all time. The most popular? Queen's Greatest Hits.

If you were wondering about singles hitting the Top of the Pops, U2 have had 7 UK number ones.
  So, crossing the Atlantic, lets look at how U2's albums have fared in the American Billboard charts.

How many America number one albums has U2 had?

Here's the list of albums that cracked the top of Billboard:

• Songs of Experience 
• No Line on the Horizon
• How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
• The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack
• Pop
• Zooropa
• Achtung Baby
• Rattle and Hum
• The Joshua Tree

In total U2 have had 9 American number one albums. U2 have a long way to go if they want to catch the Beatles who have had a staggering 19 number one albums! 

If you are wondering about Original Soundtracks Vol 1, don't fret. It's not an official U2 album at all and it's more properly considered a side project with Brian Eno and a supporting list of singers such as Pavarotti. 

It didn't trouble the world wide charts too much either - the highest charting point was number 9 in New Zealand! It made it to 12 in the UK and 76 on the US Billboard charts.