U2 - October Album Lyrics + Themes

October was U2's follow up to their debut album Boy. Produced again by Steve Lillywhite, it was a more polished effort but did not win over as many critics as the first album. The track Gloria has proved to be a song that has stood the test of time and as the title of that song suggests, October's lyrics were of a heavily spiritual nature and they were all written by Bono.

October album cover U2

This album stands out for its exploration of spirituality, a stark contrast to the more secular themes prevalent in much of early 1980s rock music. 

The title track, "October," and songs like "Gloria" and "Tomorrow" are imbued with references to faith and spiritual struggle, resonating with a sense of seeking and yearning for something beyond the tangible. 

The spiritual introspection in "October" is often intertwined with themes of doubt and uncertainty, as the band members grappled with their religious beliefs amidst the pressures of rising fame and the tumultuous landscape of the music industry. Additionally, the album touches on themes of loss and transition, evident in the poignant lyricism of "With a Shout (Jerusalem)" and "Fire." 

These themes are reflective of the band's own experiences during the album's production, marked by personal challenges and a sense of artistic evolution. 

The raw, somewhat unpolished sound of "October," distinct from their later work, mirrors the vulnerability and authenticity of its themes, presenting a candid, introspective snapshot of a band in the midst of both personal and artistic growth.

October Lyrics:

1. Gloria
2. I Fall Down
3. I Threw A Brick Through A Window
4. Rejoice
5. Fire
6. Tomorrow
7. October
8. With A Shout
9. Stranger In A Strange Land
10. Scarlet
11. Is That All?

Fun Fact: October is the least selling of all the U2 albums. Even Pop sold more! We jest, it was their 2nd album, Irish grown from humble roots. Can't win em all. 

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"Is That All?" Song Lyrics by U2

"Is That All?" closes U2’s October album (1981) with an urgent, punk-infused energy that contrasts with the album's more reflective moments. 

Lyrically, the song's refrain—"Is that all?"—expresses dissatisfaction and restlessness, embodying a search for deeper meaning. 

This sense of frustration reflects the band’s creative struggles during the October sessions, a period marked by Bono's lyrical writer’s block and the theft of a briefcase containing much of his written material.

The song, framed by The Edge’s relentless, circular guitar riff, plays out like a meditation on frustration and uncertainty. Bono’s repetitive vocal delivery—“Is that all? Is that all?”—hints at both personal disillusionment and broader spiritual yearning. 

There’s a sense of restless searching embedded in the lyrics, as if the band is asking whether there’s something more significant beyond the chaos of everyday existence, or whether life's struggles are all there is. 

It mirrors the broader thematic arc of October, a record steeped in faith, doubt, and youthful urgency.

"Is That All?" Song Lyrics by U2

To sing this song makes me angry
I'm not angry with you
Is that all
Is that all

To sing this song makes me happy
I'm not happy with you
Is that all

To sing this song makes me dance
Is that all
Is that all
Is that all
Is that all you want from me
Is that all
Is that all

The minimalist lyrical approach reflects U2’s early grappling with their Christian beliefs, a theme that permeates October throughout tracks like Gloria and Tommorrow.

The repetition of “Is that all?” serves as a stark mantra, emphasizing both a longing for deeper meaning and the futility of the search. While the lyrics themselves are sparse, they evoke a feeling of desperation that’s amplified by the music’s driving force. 

U2, still in their formative years here, seem to channel their uncertainty about fame, faith, and purpose into a track that’s as much about internal questioning as it is about external rebellion. It’s less a polished anthem and more a raw outcry, signaling the band’s ongoing evolution and their willingness to confront the uncomfortable spaces in between belief and doubt.

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"Scarlet" Song Lyrics by U2 from the October album (1981)

In "Scarlet," from U2’s October album, Bono’s lyrical approach is striking in its simplicity, yet profound in its emotional depth and symbolic resonance. With only one word repeated throughout the song—“Rejoice”—Bono transforms minimalism into a powerful poetic statement. 

The song’s minimalistic structure and lyrics create a stark, almost hymn-like atmosphere, emphasizing emotion over complexity. Bono's choice of "Rejoice" as the focal point connects directly to themes of joy and transcendence, which contrast with the darker tones of songs like "Tomorrow" and "I Fall Down" on the same album. It reflects U2’s willingness to embrace simplicity in their exploration of profound spiritual ideas.

The repetition of "Rejoice" invites listeners to reflect on the complexity of this emotion, suggesting that joy is not always easily found but must be pursued, even amidst suffering. In this way, the song embodies a tension between hope and despair, a theme that runs deeply throughout October and much of Bono’s songwriting during this period. The simplicity of the lyrics belies the weight of their message, transforming “Scarlet” into an anthem of resilience and spiritual renewal.

"Scarlet" Song Lyrics by U2 from the October album (1981)

Rejoice
Rejoice
Rejoice
Rejoice
Rejoice
Rejoice
Rejoice
Rejoice

-

The connection between "Scarlet" and "Rejoice," both from U2's October album, lies in their shared thematic focus on spiritual renewal and the quest for joy amid adversity. 

While "Rejoice" is more lyrically expansive, expressing Bono’s grappling with doubt and his call to maintain hope despite life’s trials, "Scarlet" strips this message down to its most essential core, with the singular word “Rejoice” serving as the song’s sole lyric. This repetition amplifies the message conveyed in "Rejoice," underscoring the necessity of finding joy even when it feels elusive or difficult to attain.

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"Stranger In A Strange Land" Song Lyrics by Bono / U2

"Stranger in a Strange Land" by U2, featured on their 1981 album October, takes its title from Robert Heinlein's 1961 novel about a Martian-raised boy navigating Earth’s complexities. The song reflects themes of alienation and disconnection, inspired by the band's experience crossing from East to West Berlin during their Boy tour. At a checkpoint, their van was inspected by young East German guards. Bono was struck by the guards’ youth and began imagining their lives, using the encounter as the seed for the song’s lyrics.

The Berlin Wall, dividing East and West Germany, symbolizes the physical and ideological barriers of the time, lending the song a historical and political weight. This real-life backdrop meshes with the band's personal feelings of disorientation. Bono later described the band as "fish out of water" during this period, grappling with their role as a rising rock band while living a lifestyle at odds with the stereotypical rock star image. This tension is central to the song’s themes of being an outsider and seeking connection.

The title also evokes the biblical phrase from Exodus 2:22, where Moses names his son Gershom to reflect his own feeling of being a foreigner in Midian. This allusion underscores the song's exploration of estrangement, both literal and existential. Bono would continue to make biblical references thought U2's career. 

"Stranger In A Strange Land" Song Lyrics by Bono / U2

Stranger, stranger in a strange land
He looked at me like I was the one who should run
We asked him to smile for a photograph
Waited a while to see if we could make him laugh
The soldier asked for a cigarette
His smiling face I can't forget
He looked at me across the street

But that's a long way here
Oh, and I wish you were here
Oh, and I wish you were here

Stranger, stranger in a strange land
He looked at me like I was the one who should run
I watched as he watched us get back on the bus
I watched the way it was
The way it was when he was with us
And I really don't mind sleeping on the floor
But I couldn't sleep after what I saw
I wrote this letter to tell you the way I feel

Oh I wish you were here
Oh I wish you were here
To see what I could see
To hear
And I wish you were here

-

The concept of being a stranger also taps into the existential theme of life’s transient nature, emphasizing Bono’s preoccupation with faith and purpose throughout the October album. "Stranger in a Strange Land" becomes more than just a song about physical displacement; it evolves into a meditation on the human experience of feeling disconnected while searching for meaning, connection, and home.

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"With A Shout" U2 Song Lyrics from October

"With a Shout (Jerusalem)," from U2's October album (1981), reflects the band’s exploration of faith and spirituality. The lyrics feature references to Jerusalem and biblical imagery, including "the side of a hill where blood was spilled," likely alluding to Golgotha, the site of Christ’s crucifixion.

 This spiritual longing aligns with the album’s broader themes of searching and surrender, capturing Bono's early struggles with reconciling his faith and role in a rock band.

The song is an energetic cry for connection with the divine, embodying the urgency of its refrain, "With a shout, shout it out." Bono’s yearning to "go to the foot of the Messiah" suggests both a physical pilgrimage and a deeper, metaphorical journey toward faith and purpose. 

The song's rawness reflects the band’s emotional grappling with existential questions, characteristic of U2’s work during this formative period.

"With A Shout" U2 Song Lyrics from October

Oh, where do we go
Where do we go from here
Where to go

To the side of a hill, blood was spilled
We were still looking at each other
But we're going back there
Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Shout, shout
With a shout
Shout it out
Shout
Shout it out

I want to go to the foot of Mount Zion
To the foot of He who made me see

To the side of a hill, where we were still
We were filled with a love
And we're going to be there again
Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Jerusalem
Jerusalem
Jerusalem
Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Shout, shout
With a shout
Shout
With a shout

-

Despite its intensity and evocative imagery, "With a Shout" remains one of U2's lesser-known tracks. It was rarely performed live, overshadowed by more prominent songs from the October album such as "Gloria." Still, the song stands as an early example of U2's ability to weave spiritual inquiry into their music, setting the stage for their future explorations of faith, activism, and identity.

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"October" Song Lyrics by U2

The title track off U2's second album and perhaps the most simple lyric Mr Bonovox ever wrote - it's an almost prayer like song featuring a haunting piano track with Bono showcasing the gentle, wistful side of his vocal ability like never before. I wouldn't be upset if Bono played it at my funeral.

Bono's poetic prowess is particularly evident in the song "October" from U2's album of the same name, where his lyrical craftsmanship transforms personal introspection into a universal exploration of faith and longing. 

The song opens with an evocative plea, immediately setting a contemplative tone. 

With lines that resonate with both spiritual yearning and vulnerability, Bono reflects on the interplay between hope and despair, capturing the essence of a searching soul. His use of imagery, such as references to the changing seasons, serves as a metaphor for transformation and renewal, inviting listeners to engage with their own experiences of growth and self-discovery. 

The poignant simplicity of his lyrics belies a deeper complexity, revealing the weight of existential questions that linger throughout the song.

 

"October" Song Lyrics by U2

October
And the trees are stripped bare
Of all they wear
What do I care

October
And kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall
But You go on and on

-

The brief lyrical structure of "October" showcases Bono's ability to blend profound themes with an emotional immediacy that resonates deeply with audiences. 

Bono's exploration of the tension between doubt and faith adds layers of meaning, making the song a powerful reflection on the human experience. His capacity to articulate these themes with poetic clarity not only enriches the listening experience but also invites listeners to ponder their own beliefs and uncertainties.

Check Without a Shout which mirrors the thematic dalliance. 

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"Tomorrow" Song Lyrics by U2

"Tomorrow," a track from U2's October album, is about the loss of a parent.

Bono taps into one of the most personal and painful experiences of his life: the death of his mother, Iris Hewson. 

The song, which Bono initially believed was about the violence and loss in Northern Ireland, later revealed itself to be a raw depiction of his mother’s funeral when he was just 14. 

The imagery is vivid—a black car by the roadside, a knock at the door, and a deep refusal to engage with the tragic reality unfolding. The repetition of “Won’t you come back tomorrow” reflects the heartache of a boy who cannot accept his mother’s absence, caught between denial and longing for an impossible return. 

There’s a sense of dislocation throughout the lyrics, where the simple and universal rituals of mourning are rendered alien through the eyes of a grieving child.

As the song progresses, Bono shifts from personal mourning to a larger spiritual yearning. The refrain transitions from pleading for his mother’s return to invoking the love of God and the eventual return of Jesus, weaving his personal grief with his religious faith. 

This melding of human vulnerability and spiritual hope is central to much of U2’s early work, and "Tomorrow" stands as one of the most poignant examples of this tension. By turning to his faith, Bono seeks a form of redemption and reunion, ending the song with a fragile but earnest declaration of belief in an afterlife where he will be reunited with his mother. In "Tomorrow," Bono’s grief is laid bare, but so too is his longing for something greater than the pain—a resolution that transcends death.

In interviews, Bono has indicated that October represents a pivotal moment for U2, showcasing their grappling with faith and their desire to express profound existential questions through music. 

The lyrics of "Tomorrow" serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, emphasizing the idea that even in the face of adversity, there is an inherent hope for renewal and transformation.

"Tomorrow" Lyrics U2 by U2 from October

Won't you come back tomorrow
Won't you come back tomorrow
Won't you come back tomorrow
Can I sleep tonight

Outside, somebody's outside
Somebody's knocking at the door
There's a black car parked at the side of the road
Don't go to the door
Don't go to the door
I'm going out
I'm going outside, mother
I'm going out there

Won't you be back tomorrow
Won't you be back tomorrow
Will you be back tomorrow

Who broke the window
Who broke down the door
Who tore the curtain
And who was it for
Who heals the wounds
Who heals the scars
Open the door
Open the door

Won't you come back tomorrow
Won't you be back tomorrow
Will you be back tomorrow
Can I sleep tonight

'Cause I want you, I want you
I really want you, I want
I want you to be back tomorrow
I want you to be back tomorrow
Won't you be back tomorrow
Won't you be back tomorrow
Won't you be back tomorrow
Will you be back tomorrow

Open up, open up to the love of God
To the love of He who made the blind to see
He's coming back
He's coming back
I believe Him
Jesus is coming
I'm gonna be there
I'm gonna be there, mother
I'm gonna be there, mother
I'm gonna be there
And you're gonna be there

The themes of "Tomorrow" also resonate with U2’s broader discography, where the interplay between darkness and light is a recurring motif (such as on The Unforgettable Fire). The song's introspective nature reflects the band's personal struggles during the album's creation, as they navigated their evolving identities and spiritual beliefs. 

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"Fire" U2 - song lyrics

"Fire," released as a single from U2's album October, is a dynamic exploration of passion, intensity, and the transformative power of desire. 

The lyrics evoke a sense of urgency and longing, employing fire as a powerful metaphor for both the fervor of romantic love and the burning need for spiritual awakening. 

This duality of meaning reflects the band's ability to intertwine personal and universal themes, making the song resonate on multiple levels. 

The repeated invocation of fire conjures images of warmth and destruction, suggesting that while passion can ignite creativity and connection, it can also lead to chaos and loss if left unchecked. 

The sense of immediacy in the lyrics emphasizes the fleeting nature of these intense emotions, urging listeners to embrace their feelings and seek deeper connections with both the divine and one another.

By juxtaposing the elemental force of fire with the intricacies of human relationships, U2 crafts a compelling narrative about the need to harness and channel one’s passions positively. Ultimately, "Fire" serves as both a celebration of love's intensity and a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unrestrained desire, making it a powerful reflection on the complexities of the human experience

Fire song lyrics by U2

Calling, calling
The sun is burning black
Calling, calling
It's beating on my back
With a fire
With a fire

Calling, calling
The moon is running red
Calling, calling
It's pulling me instead
With a fire, fire
But there's a fire inside and I'm falling over
There's a fire in me when I call out
I built a fire, fire
I'm going home

Calling, calling
The stars are falling down
Calling, calling
They knock me to the ground
With a fire, fire
But there's a fire inside when I'm falling over
There's a fire in me when I call out
There's a fire inside when I'm falling over
I built a fire, fire
I'm going home

-

The song peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, marking it as one of the band's first entries into the top tier of the British music scene. 

In the United States, "Fire" was not as prominent on the charts, only reaching number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Despite this, the track received considerable airplay on college radio, contributing to U2’s growing reputation in the alternative and rock music circles of the time. Its live performances, particularly during the early 1980s, helped solidify U2’s reputation as an electrifying live act, further cultivating a dedicated fan base.

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"Rejoice" Song Lyrics by U2 from October

"Rejoice," featured on U2's album October, embodies themes of spiritual awakening, hope, and communal celebration. The lyrics invite listeners to embrace joy as an essential aspect of faith, reflecting the band's belief in the power of positivity and gratitude even in challenging times. 

The repeated call to "rejoice" serves as a mantra, urging individuals to transcend their struggles and focus on the beauty of life and the divine presence that infuses it. 

This message resonates deeply within a spiritual context, suggesting that joy is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice and a form of worship.

The song captures a sense of urgency and exuberance, emphasizing the importance of community in the experience of joy. Lines that speak to the shared nature of rejoicing highlight the idea that spiritual fulfillment often comes from connections with others, reinforcing the notion that faith is not just a solitary journey but a collective experience.

"Rejoice" Song Lyrics by U2 from October

It's falling, it's falling, and outside
The buildings are tumbling down
And inside a child on the ground
Say's he'll do it again

And what am I to do
And what in the world am I to say
There's nothing else to do
He says he'll change the world some day
I rejoice

This morning I fell out of bed
when I woke up to what he had said.
Everything's crazy but I'm too lazy to lie

And what am I to do
Just tell me what am I suppose to say
I can't change the world
But I can change the world in me

I rejoice
Rejoice

We shall rejoice

-

"Rejoice" explores the duality of life—the interplay between sorrow and joy—implying that true rejoicing can emerge from understanding and accepting life's complexities. This acknowledgment of pain alongside joy reflects a mature spiritual perspective that recognizes the necessity of both experiences in personal growth. 

Ultimately, the song serves as a powerful reminder to celebrate life’s blessings, urging listeners to cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude, thereby transforming everyday moments into opportunities for spiritual enrichment. 

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"I Threw A Brick Through A Window" Song Lyrics by U2

"I Threw a Brick Through a Window," from U2's album October, presents a vivid exploration of alienation, frustration, and the yearning for connection. 

The title itself serves as a provocative metaphor, suggesting an act of rebellion against barriers—both physical and emotional. 

The imagery of throwing a brick conveys a sense of aggression and a desire to break through the confines of societal expectations and personal limitations. 

The lyrics capture a feeling of urgency and disillusionment, reflecting the struggles of a generation grappling with identity and purpose in a tumultuous world.

Throughout the song, there is an underlying theme of searching for authenticity amidst chaos. 

Lines that express feelings of being trapped or disconnected resonate with the universal experience of isolation, while the act of throwing the brick symbolizes a desperate attempt to shatter that isolation and reach out for something more meaningful. 

"I Threw A Brick Through A Window" Song Lyrics by U2

I was talking
I was talking to myself
Somebody else
Talk, talk, talking
I couldn't hear a word
A word he said

He was my brother
I said there was no other
Other way out of here
Be my brother
Got to get out
Got to get out
Got to get out of here

I was walking
I was walking into walls
And back again
I just keep walking
I walk up to a window to see myself
And my reflection
When I thought about it
My direction
Going nowhere
Going nowhere

No one, no one is blinder
Than he who will not see
No one, no one is blinder
Than me

I was talking
I was talking in my sleep
I can't stop talk, talk, talking
I'm talking to you
It's up to you

Be my brother
There is no other way out of here
Be my brother
Got to get out
Got to get out
Got to get out of here

Check out Stranger in a Strange Land and Is that all?

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"I Fall Down" Song Lyrics by U2

"I Fall Down," featured on U2's album October, delves into themes of vulnerability, struggle, and the search for redemption. 

The lyrics poignantly express the feelings of falling or stumbling, both physically and emotionally, which serve as a metaphor for the human condition. The recurring motif of falling signifies not just failure but also the innate desire to rise again, reflecting the resilience that lies at the core of the human experience. 

Lines like “I fall down” highlight a sense of humility and acknowledgment of one’s limitations, reinforcing the notion that it is through our imperfections that we find strength.

Moreover, the song resonates with the idea of seeking grace in moments of despair, suggesting that falling is an integral part of the journey towards personal and spiritual growth. 

This journey is marked by the struggle to regain footing and the hope of being uplifted by a higher power. 

The juxtaposition of falling and the yearning for redemption encapsulates the dichotomy of despair and hope, making the lyrics a heartfelt exploration of faith, resilience, and the possibility of renewal amidst life's challenges. 

In this way, "I Fall Down" serves as both a personal confession and a universal message about the complexities of existence and the redemptive power of love and faith.

"I Fall Down" Lyrics U2

Julie says 'John, I'm getting nowhere
I wrote this letter
Hope to get to some place soon
I want to get up when I wake up
But when I get up
I fall down'

Julie wake up
Julie tell the story
You wrote the letter
Said you were going to get there some day
Gonna walk in the sun
And the wind and the rain
Never walk back again

Now you fall down
You're falling down
You fall down

Julie say something
Julie say you're sorry
You're gonna get better
You better not leave me here anyway
I want to get up when you wake up
But when I get up I fall down

I'm falling down
I fall down
I broke myself

I fall down
I'm falling down
I fall down when you fall down
When I fall down is when you're falling down
When you fall down, I fall down

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"Gloria" Song Lyrics by U2

Gloria was the lead track from U2's Boy album and is the most popular song from it. Gloria featured heavily in U2's set list during the 1980s.

Gloria's lyrics feature three distinct references to passages from The Bible. "Gloria in te Domine / Gloria exultate" translates to "Glory in you, Lord / Glory, exalt [him]" with "exalt" in the imperative mood, a reference to Psalm 30:2 (in te Domine, speravi). 

The song also contains references to Colossians 2:9-10 ("Only in You I'm complete") and James 5:7-9 ("The door is open / You're standing there").

The lyrics of  Gloria" thus convey a profound spiritual yearning and a celebration of faith, encapsulated in a fervent expression of praise and worship. 

By intertwining biblical references with a modern rock sound, U2 evokes a sense of universality in the quest for divine connection. The repeated invocation of glory reflects a deep desire for transcendence, urging listeners to acknowledge and exalt a higher power. 

The phrase "Only in You I'm complete" underscores the idea that true fulfillment comes from a spiritual source rather than worldly pursuits, aligning with the Christian concept of finding wholeness through divine grace. Furthermore, the imagery of an open door suggests an invitation to embrace faith and explore the possibilities that come with it, resonating with the themes of hope and redemption present in scripture. 

"Gloria" Song Lyrics by U2

I try to sing this song loud
I try to stand up
But I can't find my feet
I try, I try to speak up
But only in you I'm complete

Gloria, in te domine
Gloria, exultate
Gloria, Gloria
Oh Lord, loosen my lips

I try to sing this song loud
I try to get in
But I can't find the door
The door is open
You're standing there
You let me in

Gloria, in te domine
Gloria, exultate
Oh Lord, if I had anything
Anything at all
I'd give it to you
I'd give it to you

Gloria
In te domine
Gloria
Gloria

Here's the artwork for the single:




Want more from October? Check out the lyrics to Fire which was a minor hit for them back in the day.

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