'The Luckiest Man in the World' song lyrics by U2

U2’s new song, "The Luckiest Man in the World," released as part of the How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb 20th-anniversary edition, represents the culmination of years of evolution from its roots in the unreleased track “Mercy.” 

While “Mercy” was originally recorded during the sessions for the 2004 album, it was left off the final cut despite its deep emotional resonance and sprawling, six-minute structure. Over the years, the song became a fan favorite, especially after a demo version leaked and live versions were performed. 

With the 20th-anniversary release, U2 has reimagined the core of “Mercy,” refining it into a more polished, cohesive form in “The Luckiest Man in the World,” a testament to the band's ability to revisit and reinvent past material.

The Luckiest Man in the World song lyrics by U2 

I was drinking some wine
And it turned to blood
What’s the use of religion
If you’re any good
I know I’m a good killer honey
And you’re my gun
But if I’m the prosecution you’d get away with murder

You’re ice in my veins
And with your blade, I can see further
We’re binary code, a 1 and a 0
You wanted violins and you got Nero
You’re slowly searching for the ground
Your silence searching for a sound

Your luck is smiling
Your heart has no home
It’s fascinating
But you’d rather be alone

I’m ripping the stitches
You’ve been bandaging up
You’ve been digging the ditches
I’m clearing them shut
For relics of your love

Love hears when I lie
Love puts the blue back in my eyes
The sand inside the pearl
You were the luckiest man in the world
You wore the luckiest man in the world

If you’re hungry, well let me feed it
If your heart is full I’ll be there to bleed it
And happiness is for those who don’t really need it
You can love me if you must
But why you always love me without trust

I’m ripping the stitches
You’ve been bandaging up
You’ve been digging the ditches
I’ve been digging for relics of your love

Love hears when I lie
Love puts the blue back in my eyes
The sand inside the pearl
You were the luckiest man in the world
You were the luckiest man in the world
But you didn’t want to be

I, I can’t escape myself
I hear you talk
Feel nothing
I feel nothing
I feel so much
I feel nothing
Ohhh

These golden days go by
Holding the secrets of the sky
Love hears when I lie
Love puts the blue back in my eyes
The sand inside the pearl
You were the luckiest man in the world
Love’s got to be with the weak
Only then love gets the chance to speak
The sand inside the pearl
You were the luckiest man in the world
But you didn’t want to be

I am alive
Baby I’m born again and again and again and again...

Music by U2
Lyrics by Bono
Produced by Jacknife Lee
Additional Production by Duncan Stewart
Recorded by Carl Glanville and Duncan Stewart
Assisted by Chris Heaney
Mixed by Jacknife Lee and Duncan Stewart
Additional Guitar by Bono

Musically, “The Luckiest Man in the World” streamlines the ambitious, expansive nature of “Mercy” into a more focused and concise arrangement, making it more accessible for contemporary listeners. While retaining the sweeping emotional scope and themes of love and redemption, this new version has a tighter, more radio-friendly structure. 

The Edge’s signature guitar work still shines through, providing anthemic riffs, but the song feels more disciplined compared to the looser, demo-like quality of "Mercy." Lyrically, Bono’s reflections on vulnerability, gratitude, and personal growth, which were prominent in "Mercy," have been honed to fit a more mature perspective, aligning with the reflective tone of revisiting an album two decades later.