'American Soul' song lyrics + meaning interpretation by U2

“American Soul,” a standout track from U2's Songs of Experience, serves as a bold commentary on identity, nationalism, and the often tumultuous relationship between the ideals of America and its realities.

Bono’s lyrics unfold like a sermon, calling on the United States to reconcile its lofty ideals with its current reality. 

The song is framed by a fiery spoken-word intro from Kendrick Lamar, who plays a satirical preacher delivering a warped version of the Beatitudes, marking the dissonance between America’s virtues and its vices. Bono digs deep into the nation's immigrant roots, emphasizing that America is not just a place but a "thought" that promises grace to those who seek refuge and acceptance. 

It's a call to action, a plea for America to live up to its own legend.

At the heart of "American Soul" is a duality: it both celebrates the spirit of rock 'n' roll, that defiant, inclusive force that defined so much of American culture, while also critiquing the country's moral shortcomings. Bono declares, "You are rock and roll," aligning the struggle for justice and the fight for immigrant rights with the rebellious essence of the genre itself. 

His use of "Refu-Jesus" is a powerful twist, equating the plight of refugees with a Christ-like suffering, calling on America to be their sanctuary. 

 This duality is further illustrated in lines that juxtapose the vibrancy of American culture with the darker aspects of its history, inviting listeners to reflect on their own complicated relationships with national identity.

American Soul lyrics by U2 from Songs of Experience

Blessed are the bullies
For one day they will have to stand up to themselves
Blessed are the liars
For the truth can be awkward

It’s not a place
This country is to be a sound
Of drum and bass
You close your eyes to look around
Look around, around
Look around, it’s a sound
Look around, look around
It’s a sound

It’s not a place
This country is to me a thought
That offers grace
For every welcome that is sought

You are rock’n’roll

You and I are rock’n’roll
You are rock’n’roll
Came here lookin’ for American Soul

It’s not a place
This is a dream the whole world owns
The pilgrim’s face
It had your heart to call her home

Hold on, brother John
Too many mothers weeping
Dream on, brother John
In your dreams you can’t be sleeping

You are rock’n’roll
You and I are rock’n’roll
You are rock’n’roll
Came here lookin’ for American Soul
American, American

Put your hands in the air
Hold up the sky
It could be too late
But we still gotta try

There’s a moment in a life
Where the soul can die
In a person, in a country
When you believe the lie
The lie, the lie, the lie

There's a promise at the heart
Of every good dream
It's a call to action
Not to fantasy

The end of the dream
The start of what's real
Let it be unity
Let it be community
For refugees like you and me
A country to receive us
Will you be my sanctuary
RefuJesus

You are rock’n’roll
You and I are rock’n’roll
You are rock’n’roll
Came here lookin’ for American Soul

You are rock’n’roll
You and I are rock’n’roll
You are rock’n’roll
Came here lookin’ for American Soul
American Soul, American Soul

Here's the lyric video:

“American Soul” aligns with the overarching themes of Songs of Experience, where Bono's personal reflections and societal critiques intertwine. 

The song encapsulates the essence of U2's enduring mission: to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the beauty of human connection and resilience. By framing the narrative through the lens of love and longing, U2 creates a powerful statement that transcends borders, resonating with listeners who seek to reconcile their own experiences with the complexities of identity and belonging. 

Kendrick Lamar also used a snippet of the song as a sample of his own song, XXX.

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'Songs of Experience' album lyrics + meaning by U2

Songs of Experience is the companion album to the Songs of Innocence album that U2 released to the world for free en-mass via Apple’s Itunes in 2015.

What a wild ride that was...

Prior to the release of that album, many U2 fans had expected the album to be called Songs of Ascent. This was based on comments from Bono in the lead up to the release. It never happened and this duo of albums appeared from the ether.

U2's Songs of Experience serves as a poignant reflection of the band’s evolution, channeling personal and universal themes that resonate with both the struggles and triumphs of life. Following the release of Songs of Innocence, this album represents a maturation of ideas, a meditative exploration of the dichotomies of innocence and experience inspired by William Blake's illustrated poems.

As Bono himself noted, the album is a deeply personal project, framed as a collection of letters addressed to people and places that hold profound significance for him. This thematic approach allows for an intimate dialogue not only with loved ones but also with the broader tapestry of human experience, imbuing each track with layers of meaning that extend beyond mere nostalgia.

The opening track, “Love Is All We Have Left,” introduces the overarching theme of vulnerability and resilience, echoing the sense of urgency that permeates the album.

The lyrics encapsulate a search for meaning amid chaos, a sentiment that feels particularly resonant in today’s tumultuous world. Bono's near-death experience and subsequent heart surgery undeniably influenced this quest for depth.

He expressed a desire to confront mortality head-on, emphasizing that the album's emotional gravity necessitated an upbeat tempo, juxtaposing the heavy themes with a defiant joy. This juxtaposition is particularly evident in “The Blackout,” where the raw energy of the music contrasts with a lyrical introspection that reflects on personal and collective struggles.

 
The album artfully navigates the interplay between innocence and experience, echoing the philosophical underpinning of Blake's work.

Songs like “You're the Best Thing About Me” and “American Soul” capture the fervor of love and identity against the backdrop of broader societal issues, blending the personal with the political. Here, Bono's letters act as vehicles for connection, addressing not just intimate relationships but also the complexities of nationality and faith.

The track “Get Out of Your Own Way” serves as a rallying cry for self-acceptance and liberation from internal and external obstacles. The lyrics challenge listeners to overcome their limitations, resonating with the album's aim to find joy in defiance amidst adversity.

Ultimately, Songs of Experience emerges not only as an exploration of personal narratives but also as a testament to the band’s enduring relevance. Bono's approach of writing as if he were already gone, inspired by the wisdom of Irish poet Brendan Kennelly, invites a fearless honesty that permeates the album.

Lyrics to U2’s Songs of Experience album

1. Love is all we have left
2. Lights of Home
3. You're The Best Thing About Me
4. Get Out of Your Own Way
5. American Soul
6. Summer of Love
7. Red Flag Day
8. The Showman (Little More Better) 
9. The Little Things that give you away
10. Landlady
11. The Blackout
12. Love is bigger than anything in its way
13. 13 (There is a light)

The bonus tracks for the deluxe vinyl edition include:

• Ordinary Love
• Book of Your Heart
• Lights of Home (St Peter's String Version)

The album was released on 1 December 2017.

What was the subject of Blake’s work? 

It was a collection of poems that reflected where the state of childhood 'innocence' was influenced by the world cutting in on childhood as 'experience. These being influences such as corruption, oppression by religious movements, state domination and the machinations of the dominant classes.

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'The Little Things That Give You Away' song lyrics by U2

“The Little Things That Give You Away” from U2’s Songs of Experience stands as a haunting and poignant exploration of vulnerability, loss, and the intricate nuances of human connection. With a slow, deliberate pace, the song invites listeners into a reflective space where the weight of emotional truths hangs in the air. 

Bono’s lyrics are rich with imagery and layered meanings, encapsulating the fragility of life and the subtle details that reveal our innermost feelings. This track resonates deeply as it grapples with themes of introspection and the bittersweet nature of memory, capturing moments that are both fleeting and profound.

The opening lines immediately set a contemplative tone, as Bono reflects on the nuances of existence: “You can’t give away what you don’t have.” 

This sentiment lays the groundwork for a narrative centered around the idea of authenticity and the struggle to convey one’s true self. The lyrics suggest an awareness of the emotional barriers that can exist between individuals, especially when facing the realities of heartache and disconnection.

 

As the song progresses, the repeated phrase “the little things that give you away” serves as a powerful refrain, emphasizing the significance of seemingly minor details that reveal deeper truths. This notion speaks to the idea that our emotions are often communicated not through grand gestures but through subtle cues—expressions, glances, or even the silence that hangs between words. 

Bono’s evocative imagery highlights how these “little things” can betray our innermost thoughts and feelings, revealing vulnerabilities we may not be willing to confront.

'The Little Things That Give You Away' song lyrics by U2

The night gave you song
A light had been turned on
You walked out in the world
Like you belong there

As easy as a breeze
Each heart was yours to please
Is it only me who sees
There’s something wrong there

Oh, I’m not a ghost there
I can see you
You need to see me

It’s the little things that give you away
The words you cannot say
Your big mouth in the way
It’s the little things that tease and betray
As the hunted I become the prey
It’s the little things
The little things that give you away

I saw you on the stairs
You didn’t notice I was there
That’s ‘cause you were talking at me
Not to me

You were high above the storm
A hurricane being born
What was freedom
It might cost you your liberty

It’s the little things that give you away
The words you cannot say
Your big mouth in the way
It’s the little things that tease and betray
As the hunted I become the prey
It’s the little things
The little things that give you away

Sometimes
I can’t believe my existence
See myself on a distance
I can’t get back inside
Sometimes
The air is so anxious
All my tasks are so thankless
And all of my innocence has died
Sometimes
I wake at four in the morning
Where all the doubt is swarming
And it covers me in fear
Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes
Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes
Sometimes
Full of anger and grieving
So far away from believing
That any song will reappear
Sometimes
The end is not dawning
It’s not coming
The end is here
Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes
Sometimes, sometimes
I’m full of anger and grieving
So far away from believing
That any song will reappear
Sometimes
The end isn’t coming
It’s not coming
The end is here
Sometimes

Check out the lyrics some great tracks from SOE. 

• You're the Best Thing About Me
• Red Flag Day
• The Showman (Much More Better)

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U2's The Blackout song lyrics

“The Blackout” from U2’s Songs of Experience emerges as a multifaceted anthem that intricately weaves personal introspection with a broader societal commentary, reflecting Bono’s complex response to both personal and political turmoil.

 Released in 2023, the song resonates within the context of a world grappling with profound changes, marked by the political upheaval surrounding Donald Trump’s presidency. 

Bono has articulated that the song began as a meditation on his own mortality, fueled by personal experiences that left him questioning the fragility of life. He said of the lyrics' meaning that the song started "off its life about a more personal apocalypse, some events in my life that more than reminded me of my mortality but then segued into the political dystopia that we're heading towards now.

This theme of an individual apocalypse serves as a catalyst, leading him to explore the wider implications of a political dystopia that seemed increasingly imminent in the face of rising populism and division, particularly in the United States. 

The lyrics of “The Blackout” embody this duality, transitioning from a deeply personal reflection to a piercing critique of contemporary politics. Lines that express the chaos and uncertainty of the times echo Bono’s concerns about the erosion of democratic values and the rise of authoritarianism. The urgency conveyed in the music amplifies this sense of impending darkness, creating a powerful juxtaposition against the backdrop of a seemingly bright, celebratory sound. 

The Blackout Song Lyrics by U2

A dinosaur wonders why it still walks the earth, yeah
A meteor promises it's not gonna hit, yeah
Earthquakes always happen when you're in bed, Fred
The house shakes
Maybe it was something I said, Ned

Go easy on me
Easy on me, brother
Go easy on me
Easy on me now

When the lights go out
And you throw yourself about
In the darkness where you learn to see
When the lights go out
Don't you ever doubt
The light that we can really be

Statues fall
Democracy's flat on it's back, Jack
We had it all
And what we had is not coming back, Zach
A big mouth says the people
They don't wanna be free for free
A blackout
Is this an extinction event we see

Go easy on me
Easy on me, brother
Go easy on me
Easy on me now

When the lights go out
And you throw yourself about
In the darkness where you learn to see
When the lights go out
Don't you ever doubt
The light that we can really be
When the lights go out
When the lights go out
When the lights go out
When the lights go out

Blacked out, it's clear
Who you are will appear
Blacked out, no fear
So glad that you are all still here
Here

When the lights go out
When the lights go out
When the lights go out

When the lights go out
And you throw yourself about
In the darkness where you learn to see
When the lights go out
Don't you ever doubt
The light that we can really be

When the lights go out
When the lights go out
When the lights go out
The lights


You're the Best Thing About Me was released as the official single from the Songs of Experience album on September 8 2017. That was a Wednesday for any of you trainspotters...

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