“I Believe in Father Christmas” Lyrics by U2

“I Believe in Father Christmas” Lyrics by U2

U2 released a charity Christmas single, for World Aids Day in 2008

The song's lyrics are written by Greg Lake, who was a principal player of Emerson, Lake and Palmer and he didn’t know U2 had covered his Christmas song until he heard it when it was released! 

Lake has said "In some ways, “I Believe in Father Christmas” is a very quirky song.

It was never written with the intention of it becoming a hit single but was written, rather, as an album track making quite a serious comment about how Christmas had changed from being a celebration of peace on earth and goodwill to all men, into one huge and disgusting shopping orgy."

“I Believe in Father Christmas” lyrics as song by U2

They said there'll be snow at Christmas
They said there'll be peace on Earth
But instead it just kept on raining
A veil of tears for the Virgin's birth
I remember one Christmas morning
A winters light and a distant choir
And the peal of a bell and that Christmas Tree smell
And their eyes full of tinsel and fire
They sold me a dream of Christmas
They sold me a Silent Night
And they told me a fairy story
'Till I believed in the Israelite
And I believed in Father Christmas
And I looked at the sky with excited eyes
'Till I woke with a yawn in the first light of dawn
And I saw him and through his disguise

I wish you a hopeful Christmas
I wish you a brave New Year
All anguish pain and sadness
Leave your heart and let your road be clear
They said there'll be snow at Christmas
They said there'll be peace on Earth
Hallelujah Noel be it Heaven or Hell
The Christmas you get you deserve.

La la la la la la la la la la....

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U2 song lyrics that reference Elvis

In U2’s evocative meditations on American music, Elvis Presley emerges as a towering figure—equal parts rebel and relic—whose influence looms large in tracks like “Elvis Ate America” from the Passengers project. 

Bono’s lyrics unravel the myth and mania surrounding Elvis, casting him as an emblem of American culture’s obsession with fame, consumption, and self-destruction. 

Lines like “Elvis Ate America” capture a biting critique of America’s need to idolize, commodify, and ultimately consume its icons, with Elvis at the heart of this paradox.

Bono’s reflections reveal a profound empathy for Elvis, seeing him as both a revolutionary and a tragic figure—an artist whose charisma and groundbreaking sound reshaped popular music yet left him captive to his own myth. 

Bono frames Elvis’s life as a cautionary tale about the corrosive nature of fame, where the pursuit of the American dream becomes inseparable from self-destruction. Elvis’s journey, as Bono sees it, illustrates the price of cultural iconography: the way public adoration can elevate an artist to mythic status while also consuming the very humanity that made them remarkable.

Elvis Ate America

“Elvis Ate America,” a standout track from U2’s Passengers project, embodies a playful yet incisive homage to the interplay between two monumental figures in American music: Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The song unfolds almost as a stream-of-consciousness rant from Bono, capturing the chaotic spirit of rock 'n' roll while exploring themes of identity and influence. One of the most striking lines, “Elvis would have been a sissy without Johnny Cash,” succinctly encapsulates Bono's assertion that Cash's rugged authenticity and profound connection to country music provided a counterbalance to Elvis’s flamboyant persona. 

This lyric underscores the importance of Cash’s influence, suggesting that without the grounded, raw power of Cash’s artistry, Elvis's iconic status might not have had the same depth. By framing the discussion within this dynamic, Bono highlights how the evolution of American music is shaped by the interplay of various artists and genres, each contributing to the cultural narrative in unique ways. 

A Room at the Heart Break Hotel

Whilst not specifically about Elvis, the song is a direct reference to Heartbreak Hotel - a song which Elvis famously sang about.

Fans of the Rattle and Hum album might be interested to know that U2 recorded song tracks for for the album at Sun Studios in Memphis, where Elvis famously recorded. Room at the Heartbreak Hotel was a b-side to Angel of Harlem  single from Rattle and Hum.

Elvis Presley and America

Apparently this was a letter of sorts from Bono to Lisa Marie, Elvis's daughter.

Bono's connection to Elvis Presley and America is poignantly encapsulated in a heartfelt letter he penned to Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's daughter, in the Propagana fanzine. In this letter, Bono expresses his admiration for Elvis as an iconic figure who shaped not only the landscape of American music but also the cultural identity of the nation. 

He reflects on the profound impact Elvis had on the world, highlighting how the King's unique blend of rock, rhythm, and soul resonated deeply with audiences and transcended racial and social boundaries. 

Bono emphasizes Elvis's role as a symbol of hope and rebellion, embodying the spirit of a generation that sought freedom and self-expression during a time of social upheaval. This letter serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley and his indelible mark on American culture, illustrating how his music continues to inspire artists and fans alike, even decades after his passing.

+ Two Elvis Covers

Unchained Melody" may simply be a famous Elvis cover song, but its iconic status cannot be denied!

Likewise, "Can't Help Falling in Love" stands as another beloved cover that showcases Elvis's ability to imbue classic songs with his unique emotional depth and charisma. Both tracks are enduring tributes to his talent, highlighting the timeless quality of his interpretations and their lasting impact on the music landscape.

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List of songs covered by U2

What songs have U2 covered?

You think that one of the biggest band in history wouldn't need to do covers - well the Beatles did and so did the Rolling Stones - so why wouldn't U2 record the odd cover song?

They are a great way to add a bit of colour to a B-side or are an expression of an artist's appreciation for what has inspired and influenced them.

So here's a list of songs U2 have covered:

Name                               Release                                                      Original writer

"Night and Day"	Red Hot + Blue	Written by Cole Porter
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"	A Very Special Christmas	Written by Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector
"I Believe in Father Christmas"	(RED)Wire Volume 1 Issue 2	Written by Greg Lake and Peter Sinfield
"Beat on the Brat"	We're a Happy Family: A Tribute to Ramones	Written by Jeffrey Hyman, John Cummings and Douglas Colvin
"I Remember You"	"Elevation" single	Written by Joey Ramone, Johnny Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, and Tommy Ramone
"Fortunate Son"	"Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" single	Written by John Fogerty
"Instant Karma!"	Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur	Written by John Lennon
"Happiness Is a Warm Gun"	"Last Night on Earth" single	Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
"Don't Take Your Guns to Town"	"Elevation" single	Written by Johnny Cash
"Satellite of Love"	"One" single	Written by Lou Reed
"Everlasting Love"	"All I Want Is You" single	Written by Mac Gayden and Buzz Cason
"Paint It Black"	"Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" single	Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
"Dancing Barefoot"	"When Love Comes to Town" single	Written by Patti Smith and Ivan Kral
"Springhill Mining Disaster"	The Late Late Show Tribute to The Dubliners	Written by Peggy Seeger
"Neon Lights"	"Vertigo" single	Written by Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider, and Karl Bartos
"Pop Muzik"	"Last Night on Earth" single	Written by Robin Scott
"Jesus Christ"	Folkways: A Vision Shared	Written by Woody Guthrie

"Unchained Melody"

"With or without You" single

Written Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret

The Saints are coming with Green Day. 

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'Beat on the Brat' - U2 / Ramones Song Lyrics

U2's decision to cover "Beat on the Brat" by The Ramones is a testament to the deep admiration the Irish rock band holds for the American punk pioneers. It can be found on the We're a Happy Family album which was a collection of Ramones covers featuring efforts by Metallica, Green Day, Rancid and The Offspring.

The Ramones played a pivotal role in shaping the early musical direction of U2, especially in the late 1970s when punk rock was a driving force behind the band's formation. 

In their formative years, U2 was heavily influenced by the raw energy and stripped-down sound of punk bands like The Ramones, whose rebellious attitude and minimalist, high-octane performances resonated with U2's desire to break away from traditional rock norms. 

Covering "Beat on the Brat" was U2’s way of honoring The Ramones’ enduring influence on their career, particularly in capturing the sense of urgency, simplicity, and defiance that characterized punk music and laid the groundwork for U2's early sound.

The lyrics are hardly an inspiring story yet "Beat on the Brat" was described by Dee Dee Ramone as a true story. "Joey saw some mother going after a kid with a bat in his lobby and wrote a song about it." So it could be viewed as a comment on difficult mother son relationships or it might just be a cool song.

Beat on the Brat Lyrics by the Ramones

1-2-3-4

Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
With a baseball bat
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh

Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
With a baseball bat
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh

What can you do
What can you do
With a brat like that always on your back
What can you lose

What can you lose
What can you lose
With a brat like that always on your back
What can you do

Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
With a baseball bat
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh

Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
With a baseball bat
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh

What can you do
What can you do
With a brat like that always on your back
What can you do

What can you lose
What can you lose
With a brat like that always on your back
What can you do
Do

-

The Ramones' impact on U2 goes beyond musical style; it also played a significant role in the band's ethos and philosophy. This influence culminated in the release of "The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)" on U2's 2014 album Songs of Innocence. 

The track serves as a tribute to The Ramones' lead singer, Joey Ramone, and celebrates the transformative moment when Bono first heard The Ramones as a teenager, describing it as a near-spiritual experience that gave him a sense of belonging. 

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Unchained Melody song lyrics as sung by U2

U2 have written a million songs about love, this cover of the Righteous Brothers mega hit is no less one of those songs. It's so blatantly about how a man loves a women that it's just a perfect song for U2 to cover (here's some other covers they've done).

Unchained Melody has been a popular song with the U2 in crowd for years. U2 have played it live many times, and it was released as a b-side to All I Want Is You.

 

Unchained Melody was written by two people, the music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. Originally released in 1955 for a movie called Unchained. 

It was sung by one Mr Todd Duncan. It became a massive hit in 1965 for the Righteous Brothers, and they are probably the artist most associated with the song. Hell. I think Elvis did a cover along the way too...

Unchained Melody song lyrics as sung by U2

Oh, oh my love
Oh my darling
I've hunger for your touch
A long and lonely time

And time goes by
So slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine ?

I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me

Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea

Lonely rivers sigh
Wait for me, wait for me
I'll be coming home
Wait for me

Oh, oh my love
Oh my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long and lonely time

And time goes by
So slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine ?

I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
It to me
God speed your love to me

I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love

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"The Saints Are Coming" lyrics by U2 and Greenday

The Saints are Coming was originally by The Skids. Originally when the song was written by Richard Jobson the lyrics were about a friend of his who had recently joined the British Army, and been killed on tour of duty in Northern Ireland.

When released as a well recieved collaboration between Green Day and U2, the song was a charity single to benefit people affected by the damage caused by the now infamous Hurricane Katrina.

The Saints features the lyrics / verse of the House of the Rising Sun by the Animals at the start, a none too subtle reference to New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina.

"The Saints Are Coming" song lyrics by U2

 There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
It's been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God, I know I'm one

I cried to my daddy on the telephone
How long now
Until the clouds unroll and you come home
The line went
But the shadows still remain since your descent
Your descent

I cried to my daddy on the telephone
How long now
Until the clouds unroll and you come home
The line went
But the shadows still remain since your descent
Your descent

Boom-cha hey

The saints are coming, the saints are coming
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply
The saints are coming, the saints are coming
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply

A drowning sorrow floods the deepest grief
How long now
Until a weather change condemns belief
How long now
When the night watchman lets in the thief
What's wrong now

Boom-cha hey

The saints are coming, the saints are coming
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply
The saints are coming, the saints are coming

I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply
I say no matter how I try, I realise there's no reply


Check out the lyrics to Ordinary Love by U2.

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'All Along the Watchtower' song lyrics by U2

“All Along the Watchtower” is a captivating cover featured on U2's Rattle and Hum album and in the accompanying film, showcasing the band's deep admiration for the original songwriter, Bob Dylan. This track is emblematic of U2's ability to reinterpret classic songs, breathing new life into Dylan's poignant lyrics and haunting melodies. 

The choice to include “All Along the Watchtower” in this project reflects U2’s desire to connect with the themes of existential struggle and social commentary prevalent in Dylan's work, which resonate with their own artistic vision. T

he song’s inclusion not only serves as a tribute to Dylan’s influence on U2 but also aligns with the broader narrative of Rattle and Hum, which explores the intersection of rock music, spirituality, and the human experience. 

Through their powerful rendition, U2 amplifies the song’s urgency and emotional weight, transforming it into a vehicle for their own exploration of hope and redemption amidst chaos. 

The live performance captured in the film showcases the band’s dynamic stage presence and their ability to evoke a collective emotional response, reinforcing the timeless relevance of the song in the context of both their musical journey and the cultural landscape of the late 1980s.

All Along the Watchtower Lyrics by U2

There must be some way out of here
Said the joker to the thief
There's too much confusion here
I can't get no relief
Businessmen, they drink my wine
Plowmen dig my earth
None of them know along the line
What any of this is worth

No reason to get excited
The thief, he kindly spoke
There are many among us
Who think that life is but a joke
You and I, we've been through that
That is not our fate
Let us not talk falsely now
Because the hour is getting late

All along the watchtower
Princes kept the view
While horsemen came and went
Barefoot servants, too

Yeah
Rock'n'roll stops the traffic

All I got is a red guitar
Three chords and the truth
All I got is a red guitar
The rest is up to you

There's no reason to get excited
The thief, he kindly spoke
There are some among us here
Who say that life is just a joke
You and I, we've been through that
And that is not our fate, at least today
So let us not talk falsely now
Because the hour is getting late, late
Yeah, yeah

-

Several U2 songs share thematic elements with "All Along the Watchtower," particularly in their exploration of existential struggle, social commentary, and the quest for meaning. 

Notably, "One" delves into the complexities of unity and division, emphasizing the need for connection amid chaos and discord. Similarly, "Where the Streets Have No Name" reflects on themes of identity and the yearning for a world free from division and prejudice. 

"Running to Stand Still" addresses the struggles of addiction and despair, illuminating the human condition’s darker aspects while also hinting at hope and redemption. 

Additionally, "Yahweh" confronts spiritual questions and the search for understanding within the tumult of life, echoing the urgency and introspective qualities present in "All Along the Watchtower.

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"Helter Skelter" Lyrics by U2 - Cover Version of the Beatles

Bono’s famous opening statement, "This is a song Charles Manson stole from the Beatles. We're stealing it back," made during U2's cover of "Helter Skelter," encapsulates a complex interplay of cultural references, musical heritage, and the reclamation of art. 

The original Beatles song, released in 1968 on the White Album, is often seen as one of the pioneering tracks in the heavy metal genre, characterized by its raw energy and chaotic structure. However, it also gained a notorious reputation due to its association with Charles Manson, who infamously interpreted the song as a rallying cry for his violent cult, believing it foretold a race war.

By referencing Manson, Bono confronts the dark appropriation of the song, suggesting that its original message of rebellion and discontent had been co-opted for sinister purposes. U2's cover, particularly notable for its aggressive instrumentation and impassioned vocal delivery, seeks to reclaim the track's essence as a powerful anthem of liberation and protest against oppression

Helter Skelter Lyrics by U2

When you get to the bottom
You go back to the top of the slide
And you stop and you turn
And you go for a ride
Then you get to the bottom
Then you see me again

Do you, don't you want me to love you
I'm coming down fast, I'm right here above you
Tell me, tell me, tell me the answer
I ain't no lover but you ain't no dancer

Helter skelter
Helter skelter
Helter skelter

Do you, don't you want me to make you
I'm coming down fast now don't let me break you
Tell me, tell me, tell me the answer
You ain't no lover but you ain't no dancer

Helter skelter
Helter skelter
Helter skelter

When you get to the bottom
You go back to the top of the slide
And you turn and you stop
And you go for a ride
Then you get to the bottom
Then you see me again

Do you, don't you want me to love you
I'm coming down fast I'm right here above you
Tell me, tell me, tell me the answer
Ain't no lover but you ain't no dancer

Helter skelter
Helter skelter
Helter skelter

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