"The Fool" Song Lyrics by U2

"The Fool" is one of U2's earliest tracks, written and recorded during the band's formative years. Although the song never made it onto a studio album, it showcases the experimental spirit of the group as they searched for their distinctive sound. Recorded in November 1978 at Keystone Studios with producer Barry Devlin, alongside tracks like "Street Mission" and "Shadows and Tall Trees," 

"The Fool" was part of U2's initial demos created to attract a record deal. At this stage, the band was still known as The Hype, marking a transitional period in their identity and artistry.

Lyrically, "The Fool" reflects themes of youthful confusion and identity, resonating with the band's own uncertainties at the time. The title itself evokes a sense of vulnerability and risk-taking, central to the archetype of "the fool" in literature and storytelling. This could be interpreted as a reflection of the band's daring to step into the competitive music scene.

While the song lacks the polish and thematic depth that later defined U2's work, it provides a glimpse into their early experimentation with introspective and symbolic lyricism.

The Fool lyrics:

Alive on an ocean
A world that I didn't see
I walk the world backways
It's aways just a shameful game

That's out of mind
Out of the living world
Out of time
I break all the rules
They call me a fool
Right

A cartoon in motion
A hero pretends no pain
A clown skipping backwards
You laugh at another's shame

But I don't mind
Out of a living low down
I don't mind
Winners or losers
It's all just a game
And I'm going down
And I'm slowing down

Life in an instant
The key to an open door
I'm living, I'm laughing
In living I'm living more

It's out of mind
Out of the living world
Out of time
Winners or losers
It's always a game
And I'm going down
But I'm slowing down
Turn around, turn around
And around and around
Turn around, turn around
There's a cloud, there's a cloud
Slow, slow
The fool has found the golden key
It's so slow
It's waiting there for you and me
Just a fool, a street jester
The hero of society
Just a fool, a street jester
Look at me, now can't you see

A life in a motion
A world I'm glad I didn't save
A cartoon in motion
A key to the same day

I don't mind, I'm here to know
I wanna go go go go go

Slow, slow
The fool has found the golden key
It's so slow
It's waiting there for you and me
Just a fool, a street jester
The hero of society
Just a fool, a street jester
Look at me, now can't you see

-

Historically, "The Fool" is significant not only for its role in U2's evolution but also for its omission from major releases, which highlights the band's selective curation of their catalog. As they refined their identity and vision, some early tracks like "The Fool" became relics of a developmental phase, cherished more for their historical value than their artistic sophistication. 

Despite its obscurity, "The Fool" remains a fascinating artifact, representing the raw beginnings of a band that would later redefine the global music landscape.

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"Always" Song Lyrics by U2

The lyrics of "Always," an alternate take from U2’s All That You Can't Leave Behind era, reflect a deep exploration of love, identity, and spiritual connection. The recurring refrain of "always" serves as a grounding motif, emphasizing permanence amidst life's transient nature.

Lines like “Here today, gone tomorrow / Crack the bone, get to the marrow” juxtapose impermanence with the search for essence and meaning. The metaphor of the bee and the flower encapsulates fleeting sweetness and the inevitability of change, illustrating the delicate balance of pleasure and pain in relationships.

The song also delves into vulnerability and courage, urging the listener to "be the arrow and the target" and to “be uncool, be awkward.” These lines reject superficiality and celebrate authenticity, even at the cost of discomfort. “The soul needs beauty for a soulmate” shifts the focus to the spiritual dimension of connection, emphasizing the need for deeper, transformative relationships that nourish the inner self. The call to “dream out loud” embodies U2’s characteristic optimism and insistence on meaningful engagement with the world.

Spiritually, the song challenges pride and self-righteousness with lines like “God will not deal with the proud” and advocates humility as a path to grace. The closing lines, “Turning slowly into a prayer, always,” frame the piece as a meditation on eternal values such as love, hope, and unity. 

By weaving these themes together, “Always” encapsulates U2’s consistent message of striving for authenticity, embracing vulnerability, and finding redemption in connection, resonating deeply with the spiritual and relational motifs of the album’s other tracks.

"Always" Song Lyrics by U2 

Here today, gone tomorrow
Crack the bone, get to the marrow
To be a bee and the flower
Before the sweetness turns to sour

What we have we're gonna keep, always
What we've lost we don't need, always
What is it that won't let you sleep, always

Be the arrow and the target
Put your head over the parapet
Be uncool, yes be awkward
Don't look in the obvious place
The soul needs beauty for a soulmate

Get down off your holy cloud, always
God will not deal with the proud, always
Well if you dream then dream out loud, always
Eternally yours, always

I want you
I want you
I want you
Touch me now inside
I wanted to be a man
I wanted to call

You say you come to know yourself, always
Don't find yourself in someone else, always
And always wear a safety belt, always
Wait for me I'm running late, always
This is the moment that we share for always
Turn each song into a prayer, always
Now and forever
For always

-

The transformation of "Always" into "Beautiful Day" was driven by U2's desire to create a more direct, anthemic, and universally resonant song. While "Always" is reflective, focusing on themes of permanence and introspection, it lacked the concise emotional punch the band sought for All That You Can’t Leave Behind.

The album was envisioned as a return to the essentials—songs that connected immediately with audiences and spoke to resilience and hope. "Beautiful Day" emerged from this intent, retaining the uplifting essence of "Always" but reworking its tone and lyrical focus to emphasize triumph over adversity.

The lyric "dream out loud" in "Always" is a subtle yet poignant callback to Achtung Baby’s “Acrobat,” where it first appears as a defiant rallying cry to live authentically and resist complacency.

In “Acrobat,” the phrase underscores the tension between idealism and the messy realities of life, capturing a plea to maintain integrity amidst contradictions. Its reappearance in “Always” recontextualizes the sentiment, shifting from the angst and struggle of Achtung Baby to the reflective optimism of All That You Can’t Leave Behind.

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U2's 'Pop' album lyrics + meaning interpretation

Pop was the U2 juggernaut kicking back into a high gear following the sonic exploration that was Original Soundtracks Vol 1.

Pop was U2 unashamedly trying to do something new again and saw them testing the waters of electronica. While some people thought U2 took it too far, Pop produced the delightfully goofy Discotheque, the classic pop song of Staring at the Sun and the oft overlooked but perfectly judged Please (a song which covered the Irish Troubles).

Bono said in U2 by U2, "The title of the album was a piece of deliberate misinformation, and a spectacular own goal as far as the rock audience were concerned they didn't like pop".

Emerging at the twilight of the 20th century following Zooropa and Original Soundtrack Vol 1., the album captures a world grappling with material excess, technological upheaval, and existential questioning. Central to its themes is the critique of a culture increasingly defined by surface-level distractions. 

Songs like “Discothèque” and “Do You Feel Loved” revel in the hedonistic allure of modern life, yet beneath their vibrant, dance-infused veneers lies a sharp irony. These tracks expose the emptiness of superficial pleasures, reflecting the tension between desire and fulfillment.

Another key theme is spiritual yearning in the face of moral and existential ambiguity. 

Tracks such as “If God Will Send His Angels” and “Wake Up Dead Man” wrestle with crises of faith and the search for meaning in a world that seems increasingly detached from divine presence. Bono’s lyrics question God’s silence amidst suffering, embodying a raw vulnerability that contrasts with the album’s ironic and playful exterior. 

Pop examines spirituality not as a straightforward answer but as a struggle, a reaching out in the dark for redemption or clarity.

Finally, Pop addresses the fractured nature of human relationships in a consumer-driven world. Songs like “Last Night on Earth” and “Gone” convey a sense of loss—whether of innocence, connection, or authenticity—amidst the noise of fame and materialism. The album frequently juxtaposes intimate emotional struggles with broader cultural critiques, creating a tapestry where the personal and political blur. 

Through its layered lyrics and experimental soundscapes, Pop serves as a reflection of the late-1990s zeitgeist: a world seduced by its own reflections, yearning for substance but trapped in cycles of excess and illusion.

 U2's ' Pop' album lyrics + meaning interpretation 

1. "Discothèque"
2. "Do You Feel Loved"
3. "Mofo"
4. "If God Will Send His Angels"
5. "Staring at the Sun"
6. "Last Night on Earth"
7. "Gone"
8. "Miami"
9. "The Playboy Mansion"
10. "If You Wear That Velvet Dress"
11. "Please"
12. "Wake Up Dead Man"

Pop's B-sides

The singles were accompanied by a rich array of experimental B-sides that expanded on the album’s themes and showcased the band’s creative range.

The "Discothèque" single featured the gritty "Holy Joe (Garage Mix)" and its alternate "Guilty Mix," while "Staring at the Sun" included the reflective "North and South of the River" and the atmospheric "Your Blue Room" (which came from the Passengers album)

"Last Night on Earth" offered the playful "Pop Muzik (Pop Mart Mix)" and the darkly reimagined "Happiness Is a Warm Gun (The Gun Mix)." The "Please" single added depth with "Dirty Day (Junk Day Mix)" and the haunting "I’m Not Your Baby (Skysplitter Dub)."

Finally, "If God Will Send His Angels" provided fans with gems like the Willie Nelson collaboration "Slow Dancing," the poignant "Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad (written for Frank Sinitra)," a live rendition of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" from Sarajevo, and the pulsating "Mofo (Romin Mix)."

Pop's chart positions around the world

Pop achieved remarkable commercial success worldwide, reflecting the band's enduring popularity and global appeal. 

The album debuted at number one in several countries, including the United States, where it entered the Billboard 200 chart and remained in the top tier for several weeks, selling over a million copies. 

In the UK, Pop also secured the top position on the UK Albums Chart, marking U2's eighth consecutive number one album in the region. 

The album performed exceptionally well across Europe, dominating charts in countries such as Germany, France, and Switzerland. Notably, Pop reached the top ten in numerous territories, including Australia, Canada, and several Scandinavian countries, showcasing its international resonance. 

However, despite its strong chart performance, the album received mixed critical reviews, which influenced its long-term reception.

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"Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" song lyrics by U2 from Batman Forever

“Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” is a swirling, darkly seductive piece of U2’s lyricism, both a departure from and an echo of the themes that have marked the band's most resonant work. Bono’s lyrics here pulsate with a sense of conflicted identity, celebrity, and the dangerous allure of fame.

Written during U2’s Zoo TV era—a period defined by excess, irony, and exploration of media saturation—the song captures the tense, almost antagonistic relationship between artist and audience, fame and authenticity.

Bono presents a distorted self-reflection, grappling with the constructs of stardom and the inherent paradox of intimacy on a public stage. His voice, straining between confession and performance, brings to life the tension between vulnerability and bravado that stardom demands.

Thematically, this song dives into U2’s fascination with identity and the self, mirroring similar explorations in tracks like The Fly and Until the End of the World. Here, however, Bono’s words carry a darker, more seductive edge.

The lyrical command to “Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me” feels less like a plea for intimacy and more like a provocation, a challenge to the audience. It reflects the addictive quality of fame—the need for love mingling with the eventual toxicity of adoration.

Bono, caught in the throes of his own constructed personas, critiques the very image he presents, using the audience as both participant and antagonist. This interplay reveals a vulnerability masked in cynicism, a nod to the emotional exhaustion inherent in life on display, reminiscent of his more vulnerable moments in Achtung Baby and Zooropa.

In BP Fallon's book 'U2 Faraway So Close' Bono suggests the lyrics are about "being in a rock 'n' roll band I suppose, being a star, whatever that is."

U2's "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" song lyrics from Batman Forever film soundtrack

You don't know how you took it
You just know what you got
Oh Lordy you've been stealing
From the thieves and you got caught
In the headlights of a stretch car
You're a star

Dressing like your sister
Living like a tart
They don't know what you're doing
Babe, it must be art
You're a headache in a suitcase
You're a star

Oh no, don't be shy
You don't have to go blind
Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me

You don't know how you got here
You just know you want out
Believing in yourself
Almost as much as you doubt
You're a big smash
You wear it like a rash
Star

Oh no, don't be shy
It takes a crowd to cry
Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me

They want you to be Jesus
They'll go down on one knee
But they'll want their money back
If you're alive at thirty-three
And you're turning tricks
With your crucifix
You're a star

Oh child, of course you're not shy,
You don't have to deny love
Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me

-

In the broader arc of U2’s discography, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” stands as a complex meditation on self-destruction and identity, a song that uses the language of romance to portray the fractured soul of a performer. By framing fame as an almost sacrificial exchange, Bono channels themes of martyrdom and resurrection, long-standing motifs in U2’s work, albeit stripped here of their redemptive light.

It’s a song that pulls U2’s audience into the tension between love and obsession, a haunting confession of the ways fame distorts the soul. The track’s lyrics serve as both invitation and caution, leaving listeners to question whether the relationship between fan and idol is one of adoration or annihilation—a theme that U2 would revisit in the darker, introspective work that followed, reminding us that every connection, every kiss, carries its own shadow.

Ultimately, the song's lyrics resonate as a commentary on the interplay of fame and personal turmoil, illustrating how the quest for validation can lead to both thrilling heights and profound existential crises. Recorded during the Zooropa sessions, the track's subsequent inclusion in the Batman Forever soundtrack underscores its thematic ties to the film's exploration of identity and moral ambiguity, amplifying its commentary on the darker side of fame in contemporary culture.

Of note, The Edge would later compose a Batman Theme Song for a cartoon version of Batman.

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The irony meaning of U2's "Everything you know is wrong" logo during the Zoo TV tour

U2’s Zoo TV Tour was a surreal, ironic spectacle that took aim at media saturation and the erosion of truth in the early '90s.

Through flashing slogans like “EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG,” the band forced audiences to confront a world drowning in information, where authenticity and meaning were constantly up for debate.

The audacity of Zoo TV was that it turned U2’s trademark sincerity on its head, diving into a visual and sonic assault designed to overwhelm, provoke, and disorient.

When U2 flashed phrases like “EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG” across the sprawling, flickering screens, they were driving home a cultural critique that resonated with the chaos and confusion of the early ‘90s.

Coming off the spiritual earnestness of The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum, Bono and company realized that earnestness alone couldn’t capture the fragmented reality of post-Cold War culture, with its 24/7 media cycles and creeping commercialism.

The Zoo TV Tour, launched in the wake of Achtung Baby, became a platform for U2 to dismantle their own myth, throwing into question the trustworthiness of not only pop culture but of U2 itself.

Just ask Macphisto himself.

By projecting disorienting messages like “EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG,” U2 questioned the very fabric of "truth" in an age dominated by screens and advertisements.

The message wasn't just anti-establishment, though; it was a reckoning with how society was embracing these forms of control.

Bono’s rock-star persona, "The Fly," a character that dripped with irony and swagger, delivered this critique while donning leather and oversized shades, both celebrating and satirizing the idea of the rock star as a manufactured figure.

By flooding audiences with flashing logos and slogans, Zoo TV echoed the relentless barrage of TV, radio, and advertising that had permeated modern life, forcing people to question what was real and what was commodified.

U2 was grappling with the collapse of meaning itself—suggesting that, in a world oversaturated with information and simulacra, even the messages we held close could be tainted by consumer culture.

Enter Mirror Ball Man.

“EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG” became less a declarative statement and more a rallying cry for skepticism in a world on the brink of postmodern media saturation.

U2’s choice to mock the very tools they used underscored their frustration and fascination with mass media. The phrase “EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG” functioned as a paradox—it was a lie in itself, flashed in a show that was still designed to sell tickets and merch.

The genius lay in U2's manipulation of this irony, as they questioned whether any form of rebellion was even possible within a capitalist framework.

In this way, Zoo TV wasn’t just a tour but a manifesto on modern alienation, where reality was fractured by the screens meant to connect us.

In embracing and inflating these contradictions, U2 anticipated the media landscape we now inhabit, where irony often masks sincerity, and where we are endlessly questioning the authenticity of the world around us. For Bono, who once preached earnestness from a pulpit, this was an uncomfortable revelation: maybe the only way to resist was to succumb fully to the absurdity of it all.

10 Questions to ask Bono

1. What does Salmon Rushie think of the almost surprise success of The Ground Beneath her Feet?
2. Family is important. What's the most important song in the U2 catalog where the lyrics consider family? It's probably the whole of Songs of Innocence right?
3. What is the worst lyric you have ever written that was recorded. Is it Salome?
4. Discuss the lyric 'Dream Out Loud'. Why have you written it into three U2 songs?
5. Do you ever hear 'lepers in your head'?
6. If U2 had its own version Fight Club, what would its rules be? And if anyone in the band had to be Robert Paulson, who would it be?
7. When I was young and impressionable I had a poster on my wall that featured a Zoo TV concert and its said 'Every Thing You Know is Wrong'. To me as a 17-year-old teenager that made perfect sense. As a thirty-something with a mortgage, I wondered if should have paid more attention in English class. Bono, how do you know everything I know is wrong?
8. Have you ever punched The Edge?
9. Have you ever thrown up on stage?
10. Does it amuse you that the Melon remix of Even Better Then The Real Thing charted higher than the original version?

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U2 songs with 'angels' in the lyrics

What U2 songs feature 'angels' in the lyrics?

Bono's lyrical use of angelic imagery in U2's discography is a compelling aspect of his songwriting, reflecting a deep fascination with spiritual and metaphysical themes. Angels in Bono's lyrics often symbolize a range of concepts such as guidance, protection, inspiration, and a higher calling. This motif aligns with his exploration of existential questions, the human search for meaning, and the complex interplay between doubt and faith. The invocation of angels allows Bono to delve into these themes with a poetic richness, offering listeners a window into his contemplative side.

His use of angelic references is not merely ornamental; it serves as a nuanced tool for expressing both personal and universal struggles. Angels in Bono's lyrics often embody the struggle between the earthly and the divine, the flawed human condition, and the aspiration towards something transcendent. This duality between the tangible world and an ethereal realm forms a recurring thread in U2's music, inviting listeners to engage with their own interpretations of spirituality and morality. 

Angel of Harlem

We should start with an obvious one, Angel of Harlem. Featuring a wicked guitar rhythm, the song is U2's homage to the jazz legend that was Billie Holiday.

She is the Lady Day the song refers to and her spirit is considered to be the Angel of Harlem.

If God will send his angels

Probably the most obvious song for the point of this essay.

One of the few truly good U2 songs from the Pop album, the song was made popular by being on the soundtrack to the City of Angels film that starred Nic Cage and Meg Ryan.

This film was a remake of sorts of a Wim Wenders film - which U2 trainspotters may note that Wim is a great fan and friend of U2 and several of their songs have graced the soundtrack to his movies. 

Stay (Faraway, So Close!

Speaking of Wim Wenders, Stay was used in the Wenders film Faraway, So Close!

Originally intended to be a song for Frank Sinatra, Stay features one of the best lyrics Bono has ever written which us sued to some up the story being told in the song "Just the bang and the clatter as an angel runs to ground".

Wim Wenders also directed U2's promotional video for the song.

Wim used ideas from his movies to tell the story of U2's members acting as guardian angels over the band who were actually performing the song in the video.

Bullet the Blue Sky

The classic track from The Joshua Tree album, it is a discussion of dirty American politics at play.

Featuring the line "Jacob wrestles the angel but the angel was overcome" this is a reference to Genesis from the Christian Bible. At that time Jacob was said to have actually met an angel of God.

The lyric seems to be suggesting that the conflicts Bono is sing about, such as war in El Salavador are beat out God.

It's almost the classic, if God exists, why is there evil in the world argument.

Angels too tied to the ground

"Angels Too Tied to the Ground" is a demo track that U2 recorded during the sessions for their acclaimed 1983 album, War. Although it was not included on the original album, the song reflects the band's thematic focus on the intertwining of personal struggles and broader political issues, a hallmark of their work during this period. The song featured an unreleased track from the War sessions on the release of the album in 2008. 

There are some other songs too - Deep in the Heart, Trip through your wires and Oh, Berlin which was found in the vaults an released as part of the Achtung Baby re-issue.

Finally, while the word angel does not appear in Lucifer's Hands  Lucifer himself is said to be a fallen angel. The song is found on the deluxe version of Songs of Innocence.

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"The Million Dollar Hotel" film soundtrack Lyrics by U2

The soundtrack for The Million Dollar Hotel is a rich and eclectic album, heavily influenced by the involvement of U2, particularly Bono, who played a significant role both in the film's conception and its music.

Directed by Wim Wenders, the movie centers around a group of misfits in a downtown Los Angeles hotel, and the music mirrors its melancholic and atmospheric tone. Bono co-wrote the story for the film and took an active part in shaping the soundtrack, blending U2's signature sound with experimental and atmospheric elements that match the film's offbeat and noir-esque narrative.

The album is not just a collection of songs but a concept-driven body of work that encapsulates the mood of the movie, balancing ethereal, dark tones with occasional bright, soulful melodies. It reflects the emotional landscape of the characters in the film, making it a vital component of the storytelling.

U2’s involvement goes beyond Bono's behind-the-scenes role. The album features three U2 tracks: "The Ground Beneath Her Feet," "Stateless," and a remix of "The First Time."

"The Ground Beneath Her Feet," co-written by Bono and Salman Rushdie (based on a passage from Rushdie’s novel of the same name), stands out as one of the emotional anchors of the film and soundtrack. This song merges U2’s signature style with an otherworldly feel, making it a poignant moment within the film’s score.

"Stateless" is another key contribution, a haunting, introspective track that blends ambient rock with a dreamlike quality, fitting well within the overall sonic landscape. The remixed version of "The First Time" takes on a more subdued, reflective tone compared to the original version on U2's 1993 Zooropa album, further adding to the contemplative, downbeat mood of the soundtrack.

The soundtrack also brought in an impressive array of other musicians who added their distinctive talents to the album. Daniel Lanois, a longtime U2 collaborator and renowned producer, was heavily involved, contributing to both the production and performance notably his slide guitar. 

Brian Eno, another frequent U2 collaborator, also made contributions, bringing his ambient sensibilities to the soundtrack’s more experimental moments. The involvement of Jon Hassell, a jazz trumpeter known for blending world music with ambient and electronic influences, added to the album's unique fusion of sounds, enriching the sonic palette. 

The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack Lyrics:

1. "The Ground Beneath Her Feet"
2. "Never Let Me Go"
3. "Stateless"
4. "Satellite of Love"
5. "Falling at Your Feet"
6. "Tom Tom's Dream"
7. "The First Time"
8. "Bathtub"
9. "The First Time" (Reprise)
10. "Tom Tom's Room"
11. "Funny Face"
12. "Dancin' Shoes"
13. "Amsterdam Blue (Cortége)"
14. "Satellite of Love" (Reprise) 

15. "Satellite of Love"
16. "Anarchy in the USA"

The relationship between U2 and director Wim Wenders is one of mutual artistic respect and fruitful collaboration, spanning several decades and multiple projects. Their partnership began in the early 1990s, when U2 contributed the song "Until the End of the World" to Wenders' 1991 film of the same name. 

This marked the start of a creative synergy that would see U2 become a regular feature in Wenders' work. The band’s atmospheric and emotionally charged music fit perfectly with Wenders’ cinematic style, which often explores existential themes and human connections. Their collaboration deepened in Faraway, So Close! (1993), with U2 providing the track "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)"—one of their most poignant ballads. 

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U2 'Boy' debut album lyrics (1980)

U2's debut album "Boy," released in 1980, presents a vivid exploration of adolescence and the transition into adulthood, capturing the essence of youthful hope, confusion, and vulnerability. The album is imbued with themes of innocence and experience, a dichotomy that resonates through its lyrics and sound. 

In tracks like "I Will Follow," there is a palpable sense of loss and devotion, reflecting the emotional turmoil that often accompanies growing up. 

The song is said to be influenced by the death of Bono's mother, adding a layer of personal grief to the universal experience of maturation. 

The theme of searching for identity and purpose is prevalent throughout the album, notably in songs like "Out of Control" and "Twilight," where the lyrics convey a restless desire for meaning and belonging in a complex world. 

Boy

"Boy" also touches on the theme of societal expectations and the pressures faced by young people, as exemplified in "An Cat Dubh" and "Into the Heart," which delve into the darker, more introspective aspects of adolescence. The raw energy and emotional intensity of the album, combined with its exploration of these themes, not only defined U2's early sound but also resonated with a generation grappling with similar issues of identity, growth, and the challenges of coming of age.

Common lyrical themes among the album's songs are the thoughts and frustrations of adolescence which is not surprising as U2 were just a bunch of 20-something Irish lads when Boy came out! U2 would later revisit these themes via albums Songs of Experience + Songs of Innocence.

Boy is probably best known for popular classic tracks "I Will Follow" and The Electric Co.

Boy Lyrics:

1. "I Will Follow"
2. "Twilight"
3. "An Cat Dubh"
4. "Into the Heart"
5. "Out of Control"

Side two

1. "Stories for Boys"
2. "The Ocean"
3. "A Day Without Me"
4. "Another Time, Another Place"
5. "The Electric Co."
6. "Shadows and Tall Trees"

Who was the Boy on the U2 Boy album cover (1980)  ?

The boy featured on the cover of U2's Boy album (1980) is Peter Rowan, the younger brother of Guggi, a close friend of Bono and a member of the Dublin-based art and performance group The Virgin Prunes. Peter Rowan also appeared on the covers of several other U2 releases, including War (1983) and The Best of 1980-1990 compilation album.

The choice to feature a young boy on the cover was significant in aligning with the album's themes of innocence, vulnerability, and the transition from childhood to adolescence. His image became a visual representation of the album's exploration of youthful experiences, self-discovery, and emotional turbulence. 

Check out the lyrics to Street Mission which was recorded at the same sessions as Shadows and Tall Trees but never formally released to vinyl. 

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"Be There" Lyrics U2

"Be There" Lyrics by U2

This song is from The Unforgettable Fire era and was never formally released, even following the 25th anniversary release of the album - the songs that were released were Yoshino Blossom and Disappearing Act. 

Apparently you can find the song on bootleg recordings.


Of interest is the lyric "All I want is you", which Bono may have poached for the song of the same name off the Rattle and Hum album.


Be There Lyrics:

You don't have to break your heart in two, my love
You don't have to play a part, it's you I love
You don't have to hide from yourself
You don't have to be someone else again
You don't have to rescue me
You don't have to watch me drown
You don't have to give to me
All I want is you

Be there, my love
Be there tonight
Be there, my love
Be there tonight

You don't have to dress yourself up or stay the same
You don't have to smile if I say smile
You don't have to be the best
You don't have to give me rest
All I want is all you have
Nothing else, nothing
Be there, my love

Just be there, my love
If you want the whole of me that's all you'll get
I'll sing this song
I'd give my health, give it all
You don't have to

Ah, she comes on by
She says, I need you, my love
She says, all I want is you

You don't have to play your little game if I fall apart
You don't have to work those strings or do those things
You're enough in my heart
You don't have to hide from yourself
You don't have to be someone else
All I want is all you have
All I want is you

Be there, my love
Be there tonight
Be there, my love
Be there tonight

-

"Be There" by U2 delves into themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and unconditional love. The lyrics emphasize a desire for genuine connection, where the speaker reassures their partner that love does not require masks, perfection, or sacrifice. 

Lines such as "You don’t have to hide from yourself / You don’t have to be someone else again" underscore a call for authenticity, implying that true love should be free from the pressures to conform or change. 

The refrain "Be there, my love" suggests that presence and sincerity hold more value than any superficial effort to impress or maintain appearances. This direct and comforting tone brings to light the song’s message about the importance of simply “being” together, rather than doing or giving excessively.

The lyric "All I want is you" becomes a defining motif, expressing a love that seeks wholeness rather than transactional fulfillment. This sentiment resounds throughout the song, portraying love as a sanctuary where one’s flaws, struggles, and raw self are welcome. The speaker’s repeated reassurance—"You don’t have to play a part, it’s you I love"—further reinforces the idea that genuine connection stems from accepting one another unconditionally. 

By stripping away the need for pretense, "Be There" captures the spirit of intimate love that U2 explores throughout their music, emphasizing presence and vulnerability as the ultimate gifts two people can offer each other.

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Every Breaking Wave song lyrics by U2

"Every Breaking Wave" is an unflinching meditation on the ebb and flow of human relationships, framed by the elemental metaphor of the sea. 

The song's tidal imagery—waves breaking against the shore, the pull and resistance of the ocean—captures the inevitable push-pull of love, with its undertows of doubt and desire. Bono's lyrics lay bare the vulnerability that surfaces when lovers attempt to navigate these currents, knowing full well that the tide often carries them in directions they can't control. 

The line, "Are we ready to be swept off our feet and stop chasing every breaking wave?" cuts to the heart of this dilemma: the surrender to love's unpredictable nature, or the futility of chasing fleeting moments of perfection. 

But "Every Breaking Wave" also serves as an allegory for the larger, more universal struggle between risk and safety. It taps into U2's recurring theme of spiritual longing and existential searching, with the waves becoming not just symbols of romantic entanglements but of life's broader uncertainties. 

The Edge's shimmering guitar lines create a sonic landscape that mirrors the emotional tension within the lyrics—a delicate balance between beauty and fragility. The ocean, vast and indifferent, becomes a metaphor for fate, for the unknown forces that shape our lives and loves. 

Every Breaking Wave is a left over from the recording sessions of the U2 album, No Line on the Horizon. U2 debuted it live during the 360 Tour and it made it onto the Songs of Innocence album release.

Bono said of the song:

"If you hear ‘Every Breaking Wave’ played on a piano, you just fall over. And if it doesn’t move you, you’re either deaf or dead, or you should be."

The lyrics below are from those live performances of the song and also the studio version.

Every Breaking Wave song lyrics by U2

Final Album Version Lyrics

Every breaking wave on the shore
Tells the next one there'll be one more
And every gambler knows that to lose
Is what you're really there for

Summer I was fearless
Now I speak into an answer phone
Like every silent leave on the breeze
Winter wouldn't leave it alone
Alone

If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we’re in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave

Every sailor knows that the sea
Is a friend made enemy
And every shipwrecked soul knows what it is
To live without intimacy

I thought I heard the captain’s voice
It's hard to listen while you preach
Like every broken wave on the shore
This was as far as I can reach

If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we’re in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave

The waves know where are the rocks
And drowning is no sin
You know where my heart is
The same place that yours has been
And we know the fear to win
And so we end before we begin
Before we begin

If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we’re in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave


Original song lyrics that were performed live

Every breaking wave
On the shore
Til the next one there’ll be one more

Every gambler knows
That to lose
Is what you’re really there for

Somewhere else, fearlessness
Now I’m speaking to an answer phone
Every falling leaf
On the breeze
Winter wouldn’t leave her alone

Ay hey now
Ay hey now

I don’t know if I’m that strong
I don’t know if I’m that strong
Don’t know if I’m that strong
To be somebody
To need someone

Every sailor knows that the sea
Is a friend made enemy
Every shipwrecked soul
Knows what it is
To live without intimacy
I thought I heard the master’s voice
It’s hard to listen while you preach

Like every broken wave
On the shore
This is as far as I can reach

Ay hey now
Ay hey now

I don’t know if I’m that strong
I don’t know if I’m that strong
Don’t know if I’m that strong
Got to be somebody
To need someone

The waves know
We’re on the rocks
Drowning is no sin

You know
That my heart
Is the same place yours has been

We know
Here with
The end before it begins

The waves know
We’re on the rocks
Drowning is no sin

You know
That my heart
Is the same place yours has been

We know
Here with
The end before it begins

Check out the lyrics to, Sleep Like A Baby Tonight a song about a god awful priest, This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now and The Troubles.

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"Love Comes Tumbling" Song Lyrics by U2

"Love Comes Tumbling" by U2 captures the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the inevitable challenges that arise in relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of personal struggle, as the speaker reflects on the difficulties of connection and the realization that love doesn't need to be forced; instead, it finds its own path. 

The refrain "All roads lead to where you are" highlights the centrality of the beloved, suggesting that no matter the journey, the ultimate destination is a profound emotional bond with them. This idea is juxtaposed with the imagery of the "seed is spilled" and "the bed defiled," indicating a loss of innocence and the complications that can arise in intimate relationships. 

The lines "Hide yourself in someone else / Don't find yourself in me" imply a caution against dependency, urging the other person to seek their identity independently rather than through the speaker. The concluding acknowledgment of how "love comes tumbling down again" poignantly encapsulates the cyclical nature of love, revealing both its fragility and the persistence of hope in the face of heartache. 

Through this exploration, U2 delves into the duality of love as both a source of joy and a potential cause of turmoil, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love and longing.

Apparently there were three versions of Love Comes Tumbling? Either way, this version appeared on the U2 EP Wide Awake in America which featured Bad, A Sort of Home Coming and The Three Sunrises.

"Love Comes Tumbling" Song Lyrics by U2

Love don't need to find a way
You find your own way
I forget that I can't stay
And so I say that

All roads lead to where you are
All roads lead to where you are

The seed is spilled, the bed defiled
For you, a virgin bride
Hide yourself in someone else
Don't find yourself in me

I can't lift you up again
Love comes tumbling down again

Love don't need to find a way
You find your own way
I forget that you can stay
And so I say that

All roads lead to where you are
All roads lead to where you are

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"The Three Sunrises" song lyrics by U2

"The Three Sunrises" by U2 encapsulates themes of love, longing, and the search for transcendence through the imagery of the rising sun. The repeated invocation of the "Spirit of the rising sun" evokes a sense of hope and renewal, suggesting that love has the power to elevate the speaker and provide a sense of purpose. 

The lines "Love me 'til I die, my heart won't wait" reflect an urgent plea for connection, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the desire for love that transcends mortality. This urgency is intertwined with a recognition of love's elusive nature, as the phrase "love won't find its own way home" suggests that love requires effort and intention to manifest in one's life rather than being a passive occurrence.

The refrain, dominated by the phrase "In this love song," reinforces the notion that love is both a personal journey and a universal experience, encapsulated in the medium of music itself. The imagery of "sunshine" serves as a metaphor for warmth, clarity, and emotional illumination, suggesting that love is a vital force that brings light into the speaker's life. 

As the lyrics unfold, the repetition of "sunshine on me" transforms into a mantra, symbolizing a deep yearning for connection and fulfillment. Ultimately, "The Three Sunrises" reflects U2's exploration of love's complexities—its capacity to uplift, its inherent challenges, and the transformative power of sharing one’s deepest desires with another.

Three Sunrises was released on the U2 EP Wide Awake in America which featured Bad and A Sort of Home Coming from The Unforgettable Fire and Love Comes Tumbling.

"The Three Sunrises" song lyrics by U2

The Three Sun Rises Lyrics:

Spirit of the rising sun, lift me up
Hold me there and never let me fall
Love me 'til I die, my heart won't wait
Soon I will be done

In this love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

Hey, hey, love won't find
Find it's own way home

In this love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

Sunshine, sunshine on me
Sunshine, sunshine on me

In this love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

Hey, hey, love won't find
Find it's way home

In this love song
Love song
Love song
Love song

Sunshine on me
Bring it through to my home
I would give you everything
I will give you my desire

Sunshine, sunshine on me
Sunshine, sunshine on me

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"Another Day" Song Lyrics by U2

"Another Day" is U2's debut single, released in 1979 as a limited offering in Ireland, marking the band's initial foray into the music scene. 

The lyrics encapsulate the monotony and restlessness of daily life, evoking a sense of frustration and yearning for something more meaningful. The opening lines, "Wake up, the dawn of another dull day," set a tone of disenchantment, while the call to "take up your dreams" suggests an underlying hope for change amidst the mundane. 

The recurring imagery of night transitioning into day symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, where routine persists but the promise of renewal remains, encapsulated in the refrain "Another day."

"Another Day" Lyrics U2

Another Day was U2's first ever single release and was limited to Ireland. It was not put on a U2 album until Boy was reissued in 2008.

The song also reflects the socio-political landscape of late 1970s Ireland, a time marked by economic strife and the lingering effects of the Troubles. 

U2's early work was heavily influenced by the environment in which they grew up, and "Another Day" subtly hints at the broader existential and social issues faced by the youth of the time. Lines like "Boy, salute in a street uniform" can be interpreted as a commentary on the militarization and division in Irish society, particularly in the context of the conflicts that defined the era. Despite its limited release, 

"Another Day" laid the groundwork for U2's distinctive sound and lyrical style, setting the stage for their subsequent exploration of deeper themes in their music, ultimately culminating in their critically acclaimed debut album, Boy, which was reissued in 2008, granting the song a broader audience and historical context within U2's evolving narrative.

"Another Day" Song Lyrics by U2

Wake up, the dawn of another dull day
Take up your dreams and on your way
Daylight, mother stands in the hall
Last night, head against the wall

When night turns to day and the children come out to play
Another day
Stop, shout
They come my way

Boy, salute in a street uniform
Toy, soldier ripped and torn

When night turns to day and the children come out to play
Another day
Stop, shout
They come my way

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The "Sweetest Thing" Song Lyrics by U2

Originally a b-side for U2's Where the Streets Have No Name single which featured on the mega selling The Joshua Tree album.

 
The song was allegedly written by singer Bono as an apology to his wife Ali Hewson for forgetting her birthday during the recording of The Joshua Tree sessions.

At Alison's request, profits from the Sweetest Thing song went to her favoured charity, Chernobyl Children's Project International which presumably Bono agreed to with good grace...

In U2's typical mischievous style, the cover of the single in features a gas mask, perhaps in relation to the charity and a reference to U2's concerns about nuclear issues which have featured in many of their songs such as Fast Cars.

"Sweetest Thing" Lyrics by U2

My love, she throws me like a rubber ball
Oh, the sweetest thing
But she won't catch me or break my fall
Oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this, I'm a raincloud
You know she wants a dry kind of love
Oh, the sweetest thing

I'm losin' you
I'm losin' you
Ain't love the sweetest thing

I wanted to run but she made me crawl
Oh, the sweetest thing
Eternal fire, she turned me to straw
Oh, the sweetest thing
I know I got black eyes
But they burn so brightly for her
I guess it's a blind kind of love
Oh, the sweetest thing

I'm losin' you
I'm losin' you
Ain't love the sweetest thing
Ain't love the sweetest thing

I'm sorry for it, really
It's something new

Blue-eyed boy meets a brown-eyed girl
Oh, the sweetest thing
You can sew it up but you still see the tear
Oh, the sweetest thing
Baby's got blue skies up ahead
But in this, I'm a raincloud
Ours is a stormy kind of love
Oh, the sweetest thing

The sweetest thing
Oh, the sweetest thing

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"Electrical Storm" song lyrics by U2 from The Best of 1990–2000

"Electrical Storm" is the only single from U2's second compilation album, The Best of 1990–2000, and one of the two new songs recorded for that album (the other one being the Oscar nominated "The Hands That Built America").

The song’s central metaphor—an electrical storm—reflects the charged atmosphere of a relationship in turmoil, where underlying tensions threaten to erupt but also offer the possibility of renewal. 

Bono sings, “You’re in my mind all of the time, I know that’s not enough,” suggesting a deep but restless connection, as though love alone can’t resolve the distance or dissonance between the couple. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship at a crossroads, with the storm representing both the conflict and the potential cleansing that might come afterward. 

Adam Clayton and Samantha Morton as The Mermaid from the video. 

There’s a sense of hope embedded in the chaos, with lines like “Let’s see colors that have never been seen” pointing toward a desire for transformation, a longing for something new to emerge from the emotional wreckage. 

Electrical Storm Song Lyrics by U2

The sea, it swells like a sore head
And the night, it is aching
Two lovers lie with no sheets on their bed
And the day, it is breaking
On rainy days we go swimming out
On rainy days swimming in the sound
On rainy days we go swimming out

You're in my mind all of the time
I know that's not enough
If the sky can crack
There must be some way back
For love and only love

Car alarm won't let you back to sleep
You're kept awake dreaming someone else's dream
Coffee's cold but it'll get you through
Compromise, that's nothing new to you
Let's see colours that have never been seen
Let's go to places no one else has been

You're in my mind all of the time
I know that's not enough
Well, if the sky can crack there must be some way back
To love and only love
Electrical storm
Electrical storm
Electrical storm
Baby, don't cry

It's hot as hell, honey, in this room
Sure hope the weather will break soon
The air is heavy, heavy as a truck
Need the rain to wash away our bad luck

Well, if the sky can crack there must be some way back
For love and only love
Electrical storm
Electrical storm
Electrical storm

Baby, don't cry
Baby, don't cry
Baby, don't cry
Baby, don't cry

-

At its core, "Electrical Storm" explores the cyclical nature of love and conflict, how periods of emotional turbulence can either fracture a bond or deepen it. Bono’s vocals—tender yet strained—convey the fragility of the situation, as he grapples with feelings of both frustration and hope. There’s an undercurrent of melancholy throughout, but also the acknowledgment that, just as with a literal storm, resolution is possible. 

The recurring theme of water in the lyrics—“If the sky can crack, there must be some way back”—acts as both a destructive and cleansing force, symbolic of the emotional flooding that comes with intense conflict, yet also the potential for renewal. The imagery suggests that sometimes relationships must pass through the storm to reach clarity or healing, though the outcome remains uncertain. 

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"The Hands That Built America" song lyrics by U2

U2's "The Hands That Built America" song lyrics from Gangs of New York

The Hands that Built America was featured on the soundtrack to the Martin Scorsese film Gangs of New York . It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 75th Academy Awards but lost to Eminem's "Lose Yourself." from the 8 Mile movie. It did win the less coveted Golden Globe for original song.

"The Hands That Built America" is a song about New York (hence its use on the film).

The first verse of the song makes reference to the Irish Potato Famine, and the resulting emigration of hundreds of thousands of Irish people to the United States.

The second and third verse lyrics relate to the quintessential American Dream, and the ideals that hard work can bring a person prosperity. The final verse is about the terrorist attacks of September 11th.

"The Hands That Built America" lyrics from U2

Oh, my love, it's a long way we've come
From the freckled hills to the steel and glass canyons
From the stony fields to hanging steel from sky
From digging in our pockets for a reason not to say goodbye

These are the hands that built America
Wishing and dreaming for something better
America
Wishing and dreaming

Last saw your face in a watercolor sky
As sea birds argue, a long goodbye
I took your kiss on the spray of the new land star
You gotta live with your dreams, don't make them so hard

And these are the hands that built America
It's a journey, it's a journey
America
Wishing, wishing

Of all the promises, is this one we could keep
Of all of the dreams, is this one still out of reach
Halle, holy

It's early fall, there's a cloud on the New York skyline
Innocence dragged across a yellow line

These are the hands that built America
These are the hands that built America
America
America

U2 was also Oscar nominated for Ordinary Love but also didn't win.

"The Hands That Built America," written for the Gangs of New York soundtrack, is a poignant reflection on the immigrant experience and the labor that shaped the foundation of the United States. The song lyrically captures the struggles, hopes, and contributions of generations of immigrants who arrived on American shores with dreams of building better lives. Bono’s lyrics evoke a deep sense of historical reverence, chronicling the hardships faced by these early settlers and laborers, whose sweat and sacrifice helped transform a fledgling nation into a global powerhouse. 

The opening lines, “Oh my love, it’s a long way we’ve come / From the freckled hills, to the steel and glass canyons,” poetically contrast the Irish countryside with New York's towering skyscrapers, symbolizing the profound journey from rural origins to urban industrialization.

The song also explores the tension between the ideals of the American Dream and the harsh realities faced by those who sought it. While the lyrics celebrate the vision, perseverance, and hard work of immigrants, there’s a melancholy undercurrent that acknowledges the violence, exploitation, and division that accompanied the building of America. 

Lines like “It's early fall, there's a cloud on the New York skyline / Innocence, dragged across a yellow line” subtly reference the ongoing struggles and conflicts within American society, pointing toward the labor strife and even evoking a post-9/11 world, in which the dream of America feels complicated by tragedy. In this way, "The Hands That Built America" becomes more than just a historical tribute—it serves as a reflection on the ongoing tension between aspiration and reality, construction and destruction, which continues to shape the nation.

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"Tower Of Song" Lyrics Leonard Cohen sung by U2

Tower of Song was written by Leonard Cohen and was recorded by U2 for soundtrack to the movie I'm Your Man. 

“Tower of Song,” as performed by U2, resonates deeply with themes of mortality, artistic legacy, and the burdens of being a creator. The lyrics reflect Cohen’s contemplation of aging, with the "Tower of Song" serving as a metaphorical place where songwriters reside, contributing to the world while carrying the weight of their creative endeavors. 

When Bono sings these words, there's a reverence for the passage of time and the inevitability of fading youth, something U2 themselves have confronted throughout their career. Lines like “I was born like this, I had no choice / I was born with the gift of a golden voice” point to the sense of both destiny and burden that comes with the gift of artistry, and U2’s rendition emphasizes this tension between fate and freedom, framed in their own experience as a band that has lasted decades.

Cohen’s original song is a meditation on how the process of making music ties into both personal identity and universal human experience. When U2 performs it, they underscore the communal nature of these sentiments, adding a touch of their own reflections on longevity, fame, and the creative journey they’ve been on. The song is an ode to both endurance and melancholy, speaking to the inevitable decline we all face, while acknowledging the power of art to outlast the artist.

It appeared as a b-side on the Window in the Skies single.

"Tower Of Song" Lyrics Leonard Cohen sung by U2

Well my friends are gone and my hair is grey
I ache in the places where I used to play
And I'm crazy for love but I'm not coming on
Im just paying my rent every day
In the tower of song

I said to Hank Williams, how lonely does it get
Hank Williams hasn't answered yet
But I hear him coughing all night long
All hundred floors above me
In the tower of song

I was born like this, I had no choice
I was born with the gift of a golden voice
And twenty-seven angels from the great beyond
Well, they tied me to this table right here
In the tower of song

So you can stick your little pins in that voodoo doll
I'm very sorry, baby, doesnt look like me at all
I'm standing by the window where the light is strong
Ah, they dont let a woman kill you
Not in the tower of song

Well you can say that I've grown bitter but of this you may be sure
The rich have got their channels in the bedrooms of the poor
And there's a mighty judgement coming, but I may be wrong
You see, you hear these funny voices
In the tower of song

I see you standing on the other side
I don't know how the river got so wide
I loved you baby, way back when
And all the bridges are burning that we might have crossed
I feel so close to everything that we lost
We'll never, we'll never have to lose it again

So I bid you farewell, I don't know when I'll be back
There moving us tomorrow to that tower down the track
But you'll be hearing from me, baby, long after I'm gone
I'll be speaking to you sweetly
From a window in the tower of song

Yeah my friends are gone and my hair is grey
I ache in the places where I used to play
And I'm crazy for love but I'm not coming on
I'm just paying my rent every day
In the tower of song

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"Window In The Skies" Song Lyrics by U2

In “Window in the Skies,” U2 explores the transformative power of love as a force that transcends boundaries, heals brokenness, and challenges despair. The lyrics open with images of liberation—“The shackles are undone, the bullets quit the gun”—presenting love as a force that dismantles violence and oppression. Bono’s words evoke resurrection and renewal with lines like “The grave is now a grove” and “The stone, it has been moved,” subtly referencing Christian themes of redemption and transcendence,

These images suggest that love has the ability to undo the confines of past suffering and offer a path forward. Throughout the song, Bono reflects on love’s paradoxical nature, noting that it “makes strange enemies” and has a power to bring “hate… to its knees,” suggesting that love can break through bitterness and animosity. He also expresses the vulnerability love demands, capturing it with the “soul and its striptease,” where true intimacy requires the shedding of facades and the raw exposure of self.

As the refrain, “Oh, can’t you see what love has done,” repeats, Bono reflects on love’s effect not just on the world but on himself, alluding to personal redemption. In moments of remorse—“I know I hurt you and I made you cry”—he acknowledges past mistakes but recognizes that love has left “a window in the skies,” a metaphorical glimpse of hope and forgiveness that remains open. 

Love, as Bono sees it, has the power to redeem “every broken heart” and bring solace “for every heart that cries.” In the end, the song elevates love to a near-spiritual plane, celebrating it as a force that transcends human limitations and opens a path to unity and peace.

"Window In The Skies" Song Lyrics by U2

The shackles are undone

The bullets quit the gun
The heat that's in the sun
Will keep us when it's done
The rule has been disproved
The stone, it has been moved
The grave is now a grove
All debts are removed

Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see what love has done
What it's doing to me

Love makes strange enemies
Makes love where love may please
The soul and its striptease
Hate brought to its knees
The sky over our head
We can reach it from our bed
If you let me in your heart
And out of my head

Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see what love has done
What it's doing to me

Please don't ever let me out of here
I've got no shame
Oh no, oh no

Oh, can't you see what love has done
Oh, can't you see
Oh, can't you see what love has done
What it's doing to me

Oh, can't you see what love has done
I know I hurt you and I made you cry
Oh, can't you see what love has done
Did everything but murder you and I
Oh, can't you see what love has done
But love left a window in the skies
Oh, can't you see what love has done
And to love I rhapsodize

Oh, can't you see what love has done
To every broken heart
Oh, can't you see what love has done
For every heart that cries
Oh, can't you see what love has done
Love left a window in the skies
Oh, can't you see what love has done
And to love I rhapsodize

Oh, can't you see

-

"Window In The Skies" Lyrics U2

In the promotional video directed by Gary Koepke, a montage that includes nearly 100 clips taken from footage from the previous 50 years of other famous musicians performing in concert is used. The clips were selected and edited together so that either the lip movements or the finger movements of the musicians, who actually were performing other songs, match up with either the lyrics or the music of the U2 song. Artists in the video include Jack White (who appeared in It Might Get Loud with the Edge and covered Love is Blindness), Frank Sinatra, Beck and Chuck D.

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