U2's "When Love Comes To Town" song lyrics

“When Love Comes to Town,” a collaboration between U2 and B.B. King, captures the tumultuous intersection of love and vulnerability through a powerful blend of rock and blues. 

The lyrics evoke a sense of yearning, portraying love as an unpredictable force that can sweep one off their feet, bringing both joy and chaos. The imagery of love arriving like a storm emphasizes its transformative power, while the call-and-response dynamic reflects a deep emotional dialogue between the heart and soul. 

The mention of salvation suggests that love has the potential to redeem and uplift, yet the lingering tone of uncertainty hints at the risks that accompany such profound emotional investment. 

The collaboration between U2 and B.B. King on "When Love Comes to Town" was a result of Bono's deep admiration for King's influential blues style. 

Bono, inspired by King’s emotive storytelling through music, sought to merge U2's rock sound with King's iconic guitar work during the recording sessions for U2's 1988 album Rattle and Hum. This vision led to King being invited to co-write the song, which not only showcased their mutual respect but also bridged the gap between rock and blues genres. 

U2's When Love Comes to Town Lyrics

I was a sailor, I was lost at sea

I was under the waves before love rescued me

I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread

Now I stand accused of the things I've said

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train

When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame

Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down

But I did what I did before love came to town

Used to make love under a red sunset

I was making promises I was soon to forget

She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown

But I left her standing before love came to town

I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream

The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream

As the music played I saw my life turn around

That was the day before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train

When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame

Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down

But I did what I did before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train

When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame

Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down

But I did what I did before love came to town

When I woke up I was sleeping on the street

I felt the world was dancing and I was dirt beneath their feet

When I looked up I saw the Devil looking down

But my Lord he played the guitar the day love came to town

I was there when they crucified my Lord

I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword

I threw the dice when they pierced his side

But I've seen love conquer the great divide
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town.

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The song is one of U2's classic collaborations with another artist, the other being their effort with Johnny Cash singing on The Wanderer from the Zooropa album.

Check out the lyrics to Heartland or Hawkmoon 269, also from Rattle and Hum. And don't forget the big hits of the blues ode that is Angel Of Harlem and the lovestruck doom of All I Want Is You.

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