"Dancing Shoes is performed by Bono and the Million Dollar Hotel Band for the movie, The Million Dollar Hotel.
The song is a melancholic song that explores themes of emotional pain, longing, and coping through the metaphor of dance.
The lyrics describe a person who is struggling with deep sadness, so much so that they cannot cry, suggesting a state of numbness or emotional exhaustion. The imagery of "dancin' shoes" represents a way of navigating or escaping this pain, as the person attempts to "waltz the blues," a metaphor for trying to mask their sadness through movement or distraction, perhaps even adopting a facade of grace or normalcy despite inner turmoil.
"Dancing Shoes" Song Lyrics by U2
So sad you can't cry
But I know you let go
Although you can't remember why
Your lipstick don't fit
Your strap's coming loose
You're out in the hall
Waltzing the blues
Now you hurt somewhere
They won't find a bruise
You've been learning to walk
In those dancin' shoes
I had a mama
She told me 'bout you
She said true love don't lie
You touch that woman
And the smoke won't leave your eyes
You're talking your walk
'Cause you can't refuse
Learning to walk
In those dancin' shoes
Now you hurt somewhere
They won't find a bruise
Learning to walk
In those dancin' shoes