On one level, it appears to be a conversation between Jesus and Judas Iscariot in the aftermath of the infamous betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. Simultaneously, the lyrics depict a bitter exchange between two lovers on the verge of a painful separation (similar to One), their accusations and recriminations mirroring the biblical dynamic.
This essay will argue that "Until the End of the World" explores timeless themes of betrayal, guilt, forgiveness, and the intricate nature of love and faith, all interwoven through Bono's signature use of biblical allusions and evocative literary devices.
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, sealed with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane, is one of the most pivotal and poignant moments in Christian theology.
This act, symbolizing the ultimate breach of trust and loyalty, has resonated through centuries of art and literature. In "Until the End of the World," U2 taps into this powerful imagery, drawing a direct parallel between Judas's treachery and the betrayal within a romantic relationship.
The line "I kissed your lips and broke your heart" evokes the intimate act of betrayal, linking the personal to the biblical. Furthermore, the setting of the song within a "garden" where the singer is "playing the tart" alludes to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas identified Jesus to the authorities with a kiss, thus setting in motion the events leading to the crucifixion.
While the lyrics don't explicitly name Jesus and Judas, the song constructs a dialogue between two characters, one who has been betrayed and another who confesses to the act. "I took the money / I spiked your drink" suggests a calculated act of treachery, echoing Judas's acceptance of payment for betraying Jesus.
The line "In the garden I was playing the tart / I kissed your lips and broke your heart" further reinforces this connection, alluding to the kiss of betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. The betrayed party's response, though fragmented, conveys a sense of hurt and disappointment, particularly in the lines "You were talking about the end of the world" and "You were acting like it was the end of the world." This could be interpreted as a lament over the betrayer's dramatic reaction and seeming lack of awareness of the gravity of their actions.
"Pride (In the Name of Love)" also uses the image of a kiss to represent betrayal, though in different contexts. "Until the End of the World" focuses on the personal betrayal between Jesus and Judas , while "Pride" uses the image more broadly to symbolize the betrayal of those who fight for peace and justice, like Martin Luther King Jr.
Beyond the biblical allusions, "Until the End of the World" pulls double duty. It also functions powerfully as a raw and intimate portrayal of a romantic relationship collapsing under the weight of betrayal. The lyrics are peppered with accusations and recriminations, mirroring the hurt and anger of a broken heart. "Haven't seen you in quite a while / I was down the hold just passing time" suggests a relationship already strained by distance and neglect.
The line "You lead me on with those innocent eyes / You know I love the element of surprise" hints at a pattern of deception and manipulation. The imagery of drowning sorrows that have "learned to swim" speaks to the overwhelming nature of grief and regret that follows the betrayal.
Bono masterfully employs ambiguity, allowing the lines to resonate both within the context of the biblical narrative and the more personal story of a fractured love affair. This duality enriches the song, suggesting that the pain of betrayal, whether on a grand or intimate scale, shares a common emotional core.
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