Picture of You (X+W) U2 song lyrics

 "Picture of You (X+W)," one of the newly remastered tracks from U2's How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb, delves into themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of human connection. The lyrics reflect a sense of longing and introspection, as Bono narrates the emotional weight of holding onto a fragmented image of someone—a metaphorical "picture" that both captures and distorts the truth. 

The use of the title's enigmatic “X+W” hints at a deeper equation, symbolizing the intersection of the unknown ("X") with something familiar yet elusive ("W"). The song paints a picture of relationships where clarity and confusion coexist, offering a poetic exploration of how we reconcile our perceptions of those we love with the reality of who they are.

Musically, "Picture of You (X+W)" resonates with U2's signature ability to blend emotional depth with sweeping, atmospheric soundscapes. Bono's lyrics are complemented by The Edge's ethereal guitar work, which mirrors the tension between connection and distance expressed in the song. 

The song bears a similar structure and lyrics from All Because of You and Fast Cars.

Picture of You (X+W) song lyrics by U2

My cell is ringing, no ID

I want to know who’s calling

My garden’s overgrown

I go out on my belly’s crawling

I got CCTV, pornography, CNBC

I got the nightly news to

Get to know the enemy

All I want is a picture of you

All I want is to get right next to you

All I want is your picture in a locket

Your face in my pocket

Take a pill to stop it

I’m going nowhere

Where I am, it is a lot of fun

There in the desert

To dismantle an atomic bomb

I watch you shadow box

Check the stocks, I’m in detox

Want a lot of what you got

What you got can make this stop

All I want is a picture of you

All I want is to get right next to you

All I want is your picture in a locket

Your face in my pocket

Take a pill to stop it

Take me, savе me from myself

I know that you’ve been good to mе

Now, I need you not to be

Wake me, I fear I can’t be asleep

Try not to look so bored

You’re buying things you cannot afford

I got yours, and I know you want mine

Xanax and wine

All I want is a picture of you

All I want is to get right next to you

All I want is your picture in a locket

Your face in my pocket

Take a pill to stop it

Take me, save me from myself

I know that you’ve been good to me

Now, I need you not to be

Wake me, I fear I can’t be asleep

I’m buying things I cannot afford

I’m on a high diving board

I got yours, and I know you want mine

Xanax and wine

Don't you worry 'bout your mind

Cause I worry all the time

Don't you worry, you'll be fine

You should worry 'bout the day

That the pain, it goes away

You know I miss mine sometimes

There is no fiction that will truly fit the situation

I'm documenting every detail, every conversation

Not used to talking to somebody in their body

Somebody in a body

Is somebody in a body

In a body, there's somebody

Somebody in a body

Somebody in a body

There's somebody