Songs where Bono references the Devil in U2 song lyrics

Sunday, October 6, 2024
U2.

God's Own?

Perhaps the world's biggest-ever Christian band without the hymns ....?

U2's Bono certainly has a way with words and a magpie's ability to pick imagery out of the bible.

Bono, the self-titled Macphisto himself throughout his unironic 1990s period has dropped quite the number of verses about Jesus, A dead man who needed to wake up and even Yahweh.

Sprinkled throughout are references To The Devil Himself.

So let's cover them then, U2's song lyrics in which Bono references the Devil.

Songs where Bono references the Devil in U2 song lyrics

Lucifer's Hands from Song of Innocence


In "Lucifer's Hands," Bono uses the imagery of the devil to explore themes of temptation and moral struggle, suggesting that the allure of power and fame can lead individuals down a dark path. This reference serves as a poignant reminder of the internal battles faced by artists and the consequences of their choices, reflecting the complex relationship between creativity and moral integrity.

You no longer got a hold on me
I’m out of Lucifer’s hands
You no longer got a hold on me
You’re no longer in control of me
I am

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" from The Joshua Tree


Bono's reference to the devil encapsulates a profound tension between temptation and spiritual yearning, suggesting an encounter with darker, seductive forces in contrast to his quest for divine fulfillment. This juxtaposition of warmth and coldness emphasizes the inner conflict of seeking both earthly pleasures and a deeper, more transcendent truth.

I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing in her fingertips
It burned like fire
This burning desire
I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone

Trip through your wires - Joshua Tree


In "Trip Through Your Wires," Bono's reference to the devil is articulated through a sense of entrapment and seduction, where the lyrics convey a struggle between innocence and corruption. The imagery of being led astray resonates with themes of temptation, underscoring the duality of desire and the darker forces that lurk beneath romantic relationships.

Angel, angel or devil
I was thirsty and you wet my lips
You, I'm wating for you
You, you set my desire
I trip through your wires

Heaven And Hell - from Achtung Baby session leftovers


From the Achtung baby recording sessions, Heaven and Hell was a non album track released along with Blow Your House Down and Oh, Berlin to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the album.

In "Heaven and Hell," Bono explores the dichotomy between salvation and damnation, suggesting that life's experiences can embody both extremes. The lyrics highlight the complexity of human emotions, illustrating how joy and suffering coexist, ultimately challenging the listener to confront the dual nature of existence.

You used to think I was something special
You haven't thought that in a while
You liked the company of my inner devil
'Cause my inner devil could make you smile


Glastonbury - Songs of Innocence bonus song?


In the song "Glastonbury," Bono's line "I was passion as the devil made" evokes a powerful connection between desire and temptation, suggesting that intense emotions can lead one astray. This reference highlights the idea that passionate experiences can blur the line between creation and destruction, illustrating the complexity of human nature and the allure of darker impulses.
Take me to the house of rain
You know I’ve never, ever been
I was passion as the devil made
As I was splashing along the way


Angel of Harlem from Rattle and Hum


In "Angel of Harlem" from Rattle and Hum, Bono’s line "an angel in Devil's shoes" powerfully contrasts the notions of salvation and temptation, suggesting that purity can exist alongside vice. The imagery of a star "exploding in the night" while "falling to the city in broad daylight" evokes a sense of awe and chaos, highlighting how moments of divine inspiration can emerge in the midst of life's harsh realities. 

Like a star exploding in the night
Falling to the city in broad daylight
An angel in Devil's shoes
Salvation in the blues


God Part II  from Rattle and Hum 

In "God Part II," Bono's lines "Don't believe the devil / I don't believe his book" convey a rejection of dogma and the manipulative nature of religious texts, suggesting skepticism towards traditional beliefs. The subsequent line, "But the truth is not the same / Without the lies he made up," underscores the complexity of truth, implying that understanding and meaning often emerge from a blend of genuine belief and the fabricated narratives that shape our perceptions of faith.

Don't believe the devil
I don't believe his book
But the truth is not the same
Without the lies he made up


Blow Your House Down - Achtung Baby recording sessions


In "Blow Your House Down" Bono conveys themes of temptation and desperation, reflecting a struggle against the darker influences that seek to manipulate desires. The song explores the tension between vulnerability and resilience, emphasizing how personal aspirations can be challenged by external forces that undermine one's sense of purpose and integrity.
The wave, it have its
She was saving it
What makes you think you can
Oh, they're craving
Deals for breaking
Your old devil's hands


U2's When Love Comes to Town - Rattle and Hum


In "When Love Comes to Town," Bono's reference to the devil symbolizes the disruptive power of love and desire, suggesting that these intense emotions can lead one into morally ambiguous territory. The lyrics convey a sense of confrontation, where the struggle between light and darkness plays out in the realm of romance and relationships. Through this imagery, Bono illustrates how love can be both a transformative force and a potential source of inner conflict, revealing the complexities of human connections.

When I woke up I was sleeping on the street
I felt the world was dancing and I was dirt beneath their feet
When I looked up I saw the Devil looking down
But my Lord he played the guitar the day love came to town
I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side

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Why did Bono dress as Macphisto live on stage?

Bono's transformation into the character MacPhisto during U2's live performances, particularly during the Zoo TV Tour in the early 1990s, served multiple artistic and thematic purposes. MacPhisto, a blend of the devil and a suave showbiz persona, embodied the contradictions and complexities of fame, consumerism, and moral ambiguity prevalent in the modern world. By donning this character—complete with a gold suit and devilish makeup—Bono sought to critique the superficiality of celebrity culture while simultaneously highlighting the darker side of human nature and the seductive allure of power.

This alter ego allowed Bono to engage with audiences in a provocative way, using satire and theatricality to address serious social and political issues, such as the disillusionment with media and the impact of global capitalism. The character of MacPhisto also served as a vehicle for Bono to explore themes of temptation and the struggle between good and evil, aligning with his broader lyrical concerns. By incorporating MacPhisto into live performances, Bono effectively merged entertainment with critical commentary, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own values and the societal structures surrounding them.


Why did Bono sing about angels, devils and Jesus?

Bono, the lead singer of U2, often intertwines themes of angels, devils, and Jesus in his lyrics to explore the complexities of faith, morality, and the human condition. His songs reflect a profound spiritual journey, drawing on biblical imagery and personal experiences to confront the struggles between good and evil. 

In tracks like “Yahweh” and “One,” he grapples with the challenges of belief and the often ambiguous nature of divinity and humanity. This duality allows him to articulate the tension between hope and despair, love and hate, creating a rich tapestry that invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual dilemmas. 

Bono's willingness to embrace these themes underscores his commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes, using music as a platform to provoke thought and inspire change.


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