Bono's deeply personal song lyrics about Mothers and Fathers

All good songwriters tap their family tree for lyrical inspiration now and then.

There's been plenty of popular songs that feature lyrics about parents and their children.

A classic example is Cat Steven's Father and Son and Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin.

It's with no great surprise then that Bono has chosen to reveal insights into his feeling about his family in a few of U2's songs.

Bono, U2's enigmatic frontman, frequently threads the theme of motherhood into his lyrics, often drawing from his own experience of losing his mother Iris at a young age. This personal tragedy has infused U2's music with an undercurrent of longing, loss, and the search for feminine strength and comfort. 

In songs like "I Will Follow" from their debut album "Boy," Bono explores the profound impact of his mother's death, conveying both the pain of loss and the enduring influence she had on his life. 

His ability to weave these deeply personal narratives into the band's music speaks to the universal nature of loss and the enduring power of a mother's influence, making these songs resonate with listeners on a deeply emotional level.

Here's some thoughts about a selected few...

U2 songs with themes about Mothers and Fathers

Mofo

Mofo, the sixth single flogged from the supposedly terrible Pop album, stands as one of the more frenetic and intense tracks in the band's catalog. With its aggressive techno beats and distorted sonic layers, the song encapsulates the band's experimentation with electronic dance music in the late 1990s. 

However, beneath its harsh exterior lies a deeply personal narrative, with Bono channeling the anguish of losing his mother, Iris, at a young age. 

The lyrics reflect a search for identity and connection, as Bono grapples with the void left by her death, making "Mofo" not just an artistic departure but an emotionally charged exploration of grief and longing. 

Bono would later refer to his mother again in Iris (Hold Me Close) from Songs of Innocence.

It featured this most incredible lyric of open reflection:

The star that gives us light
Has been gone a while
But it’s not an illusion
The ache in my heart
Is so much a part of who I am

Mothers of the Disappeared

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, is a unique organization of Argentine women who have become human rights activists in order to achieve a common goal. For over three long decades, the Mothers have fought for the right to re-unite with their abducted children. It was this work that inspired Bono's lyrics.

The song is a poignant reflection on the universal pain of mothers who have lost their children to political violence. Bono's use of maternal themes in his lyrics not only provides a window into his personal grief and healing but also serves as a homage to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere. 

 

Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own

The lyric was written by Bono as a tribute to his father, Bob Hewson, who died in 2001.

Bono sang this at his funeral.

In the video for the song it was prefaced with the following from Bono:

"My father worked in the post office by day and sang opera by night. We lived on the north side of Dublin in a place called Cedarwood Road. He had a lot of attitude. He gave some to me - and a voice. I wish I'd known him better."

The song shares similar parental sentiments as found in Kite from the All That You Can't Leave Behind album.

Tomorrow

The October album marks a pivotal moment in Bono's artistic journey, particularly in terms of how he grapples with spirituality, faith, and personal loss.

One of the standout tracks in this regard is "Tomorrow," where Bono confronts the deep emotional trauma of his mother’s death and wrestles with the notion of her afterlife, potentially encountering Jesus. The song is haunting, with its Irish folk influences and plaintive melody evoking a funeral procession, underscoring the weight of the grief and confusion he felt at such a young age.

In "Tomorrow," Bono’s lyrics are filled with both longing and uncertainty—he reflects on the devastation of losing his mother when he was just 14 and questions what comes after death, particularly in the context of his Christian beliefs.

The line “Won’t you come back tomorrow?” can be read as a desperate plea for his mother’s return, but also as an inquiry into resurrection and the hope of reunion in the afterlife.

The specter of her potentially meeting Jesus brings Bono’s spiritual crisis into sharp focus: his faith is both a source of comfort and a challenge, as he contemplates the mystery of life after death and the soul’s journey.

The First Time 

A song from the Grammy Award winning album, Zooropa, The first verse of The First Time hints at sentiments of falling in love for the first time or perhaps truly, madly, deeply falling for someone.

The lyric "I have a lover, a lover like no other" suggests the latter perhaps is true.

The second verse refers to the love of a brother who would do anything for his sibling - the word brother could easily stand in for friend here as well. 

The final verse talks of the love between a father and son that perhaps has gone sour.

Collectively these three different settings make for a great story and makes you wonder what kind of person is telling this story and how do those elements relate to one another?

Indeed, there's almost a hint of the Prodigal Son story surrounding the entire fabric of the song. 

Dirty Day from the same album features a line from Bono of which his Dad used to say "I don't know you and you don't know the half of it", "No blood is thicker than ink", "Nothing's as simple as you think", and "It won't last kissing time."

I will follow

A boy tries hard to be a man
His mother takes him by the hand
If he stops to think, he starts to cry
Oh why

"I Will Follow," from U2's debut album Boy, serves as a vivid reflection of Bono's deep grief following the loss of his mother when he was 14 years old. The song pairs post-punk energy with emotionally charged lyrics that delve into the confusion, longing, and anguish of a young boy dealing with such a monumental loss. 

The opening lines, "I was on the outside when you said you needed me," suggest a sense of disconnection and self-doubt, capturing the void left by his mother's absence. The refrain "If you walk away, walk away / I will follow" conveys an unwavering desire to stay connected, even beyond life.

The urgency of the music mirrors the chaos of grief, with lyrics that blend vulnerability and defiance. The image of "eyes making a circle" evokes the cyclical nature of memory and loss, as Bono processes the permanent absence of his mother while struggling to keep her presence alive in his mind. "I Will Follow" becomes an anthem for resilience, symbolizing the transformative journey from pain to self-realization. The track remains a cornerstone of U2's exploration of themes like personal loss and spiritual endurance.

Songs of...  parents

U2's journey through their last two albums, "Songs of Innocence" (2014) and "Songs of Experience" (2017), offers a profound narrative arc that encapsulates themes of youth, maturation, loss, and reflection. 

These albums are not just collections of songs but a diptych, where each complements and contrasts with the other, mirroring William Blake's thematic exploration in his poems "Songs of Innocence and of Experience." 

U2's exploration in these albums is deeply personal, reflecting their own lives, the environment they grew up in, and the poignant experiences of losing parents.

"Songs of Innocence," released in 2014, serves as a retrospective journey into the band's youth in Dublin. The album is an introspective examination of their early life experiences, touching on their upbringing in Ireland's tumultuous sociopolitical landscape. Songs like "Cedarwood Road" and "Iris (Hold Me Close)" are particularly illustrative of this theme. 

"Songs of Experience," released three years later, is a more contemplative work, looking at life from the vantage point of maturity. This album reflects on themes of mortality, legacy, and the wisdom gained through experience. It's a continuation and a response to the innocence depicted in the previous album.

Songs like "The Little Things That Give You Away" and "13 (There is a Light)" demonstrate a more reflective and philosophical approach. The former delves into the complexities of life and relationships, acknowledging the small details that can have profound impacts. "13 (There is a Light)" can be seen as a thematic sequel to "Song for Someone" from "Songs of Innocence," offering a message of hope and resilience, a light that continues to shine despite life's challenges and losses, including the loss of parents.

The lyrical journey in these albums is not just a personal reflection for U2 but also serves as a universal exploration of human experiences. The band effectively weaves their personal narratives with broader themes, making these albums not only a reflection of their journey but also relatable to anyone who has experienced the innocence of youth and the wisdom that comes with age and experience. The portrayal of Ireland, not just as a physical location but as a canvas of their formative years, adds a rich, cultural layer to their narrative, embedding their personal stories within the larger tapestry of Irish history and social dynamics.

Want to know more about some other U2 lyrics? Check out 10 U2 Love Songs.

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What U2 songs does The Edge sing on?

What U2 songs does The Edge sing lead vocals on?

In the expansive discography of U2, a band renowned for its distinct sound and profound impact on the music industry, the contributions of the guitarist David Howell Evans, better known as The Edge, extend beyond his innovative guitar techniques and backing vocals. 

The Edge's role as a vocalist, although less prominent than that of the lead singer Bono, offers a unique and compelling dimension to U2's music. 

The Edge's vocal contributions, characterized by their clarity and emotive resonance, provide a contrast to Bono's more dominant and robust singing style. 

His voice, often described as introspective and ethereal, adds a layer of subtlety and depth to the songs he leads. The exploration begins with "Seconds" from the 1983 album "War," where The Edge's vocals punctuate the song's anti-nuclear message with a sense of urgency and starkness. This track stands as an early example of his ability to convey powerful themes through a more restrained vocal delivery.

Numb

"Numb" was released as Grammy Winner, Zooropa's first single. 

Numb is a repeating, monotonous mantra spoken by The Edge with a drumbeat sampled from the Leni Riefenstahl film Olympia. 

"Numb" also features backing vocals by Bono and Larry Mullen, Jr i.e. while The Edge sings in a slow rap monotone while Bono sings around it in his 'opera' voice. Bono did the same on Zooropa, the Johnny Cash track. 

Here's the video of Numb as it's a classic!

Van Diemen's Land

Van Dieman's Land was the original name used by Europeans for the island of Tasmania, Australia. The lyrics were written and sung by U2's one and only The Edge. 

The song is dedicated to a Fenian poet named John Boyle O'Reilly, who was deported to Australia because of his poetry and Fenian leanings. 

The track itself is from Rattle and Hum.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

During the Pop Mart tour, The Edge took lead vocal duties live on stage for this song. Edge sang alone and without accompaniment from the rest of the U2 band, save for his own guitar and capo on the second fret.

You're The Best Thing About Me

From Songs of Experience, The Edge sings a full verse near the end of the song:

"I can see it all so clearly
I can see what you can’t see
I can see you lover her loudly
When she needs you quietly"

The Edge is also noted as singing the first half of the song "Seconds" from War, dual vocals with Bono in "Discotheque" from the Pop album, and the bridge in the song "Miracle Drug" (though there's some debate about that).

Recently The Edge sang the last verse on Country Mile from the How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb reissue.

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U2 lyrics that explore religion, Jesus, Yahweh and The Good Book

It seems almost obligatory to do a post on U2's spiritual side. They are perhaps the world's most popular Christian band after all!  I say Christian very loosely though as for some people that kind of connotation can turn them right off  but U2's is most definitely a band that is not shy of exploring their spiritual lyrical side.

Bono, U2's main lyric writer, is a noted musical magpie who steals lines from the Bible to help with his song crafting. Indeed, there's a whole page of bible references Bono has made across the U2 song catalogue.

You could almost put U2's song lyrics into two distinct camps - songs about spirituality and songs about politics (such as nuclear war). 

You could throw in a third camp about of U2's love songs if you wanted but since when has 'love' not ever been spiritual or a matter of politics?

Jesus is a popular man in U2 songs, along with mentions of Yahweh, the references to the Koran and a few other Saints - so I thought  I'd feature a few U2 song lyrics that show case Bono's spiritual side and give a little insight into what I think the lyrics mean and perhaps give a little context on the genesis of some of them...

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Many people suddenly found themselves to be U2 fans in the late 80s when The Joshua Tree album started topping charts around the world.

Helping lead the charge was I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For which is the gold standard if you are looking for a U2 song that focuses on a spiritual yearning. 

Stealing the line from the Bible's 1 Corinthians 13:1: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." Bono directly references Corinthians 13 in Elvis Ate America from the Original Soundtracks Vol 1.

Bono sung  "I have spoken with the tongue of angels" thus heralding to the world where he was coming from yet he then signalled his mischievous side with the following lyric that he had also 'held the hand of the Devil'.

Wake Up Dead Man from the Pop album

In tough times people often turn to their spiritual advisor for support - Wake Up Dead Man is Bono trying to get a direct line with Jesus to come and fix "the fucked up world'.

Originally written during the Zooropa recording sessions, the final version ended up on Pop as an effective album closer.

Fun aside, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me also came from the Zooropa recording sessions and asks a question of Jesus.

Gloria 

The lyrics of "Gloria" from U2's October album are a powerful expression of spiritual yearning and the tension between human limitations and divine transcendence. Bono uses the Latin phrase "Gloria in te Domine" (Glory in you, Lord), immediately situating the song within a religious context, invoking a direct appeal to God. 

The chorus, with its repetition of "Gloria," echoes a form of worship, a plea for connection with the divine. The verses reflect a personal struggle—Bono sings of feeling both empowered by faith and constrained by doubt, as he expresses the desire to "sing out loud," but feels his "voice can't take the strain." This contrast between the desire for liberation and the awareness of human frailty runs through the song, capturing the essence of spiritual conflict. 

"Gloria" is about searching for God amidst life's chaos, seeking to break free from earthly confines to embrace something higher. The recurring imagery of rising and being lifted points to a longing for spiritual elevation, while the song's soaring melody mirrors this aspiration. 

Ultimately, "Gloria" is both a cry for help and an act of devotion, reflecting Bono's ongoing quest for faith and purpose, which is a central theme of the October album.

Yahweh

A beautiful track from U2's How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, Yahweh's lyrics are a reflection of Bono's faith (as the son of a Catholic father and an Anglican mother) and points to the differences in the power that he believes between God and mankind. 

The word 'yahweh' has traditionally been by transliterated from the word Jehovah. Jehovah is often described as "the proper name of God in the Old Testament".

Larry, Bono, Edge and Adam, hold the bike while I get on?

Sunday Bloody Sunday

A protest song about the political troubles that have face the people of Ireland, its inspiration was a couple of events where soldiers shot civilians in Northern Ireland. 

The Derry massacre, or Bloody Sunday, was deeply intertwined with the religious divide between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, where Catholics, largely identifying as Nationalists, sought reunification with the Republic of Ireland, while the Protestant Unionists favored continued British rule. 

The religious divide was a driving force behind the sectarian violence, with British military intervention being perceived by many Catholics as siding with the Protestant-dominated government.

Until the End of the World

This has proved to be an incredibly popular song from U2's Achtung Baby and has been played on just about every tour U2 have done since that album was released in 1991.

In U2 fan circles, the song is semi-legendary for being interpreted as a fictional conversation between Jesus and Judas following the betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane.. The lyrics subtly convey a deep sense of remorse on Judas's part, suggesting that he came to regret his actions after betraying Jesus. This spiritual theme delves into the weight of guilt, forgiveness, and the consequences of moral failure, culminating in Judas’s tragic decision to take his own life. The song invites listeners to reflect on themes of redemption, betrayal, and the complex human emotions tied to spiritual crises.

Tomorrow

A classic earnest lyric from Bono, the song reflects a period in his life when he was grappling deeply with his faith, mortality, and spiritual identity. 

The October album, in particular, marks a pivotal moment in Bono’s songwriting, often referred to as the "God Watch" phase. This phase was characterized by an intense personal search for meaning, fueled by the loss of his mother and the existential questions that followed. 

His mother's death, which occurred when Bono was a teenager, left a lasting impact on him, and this grief permeates much of the album's lyrical content, as he contemplates life, death, and what lies beyond.

Bono's lyrics reflect internal dialogue about his relationship with God, his struggles with doubt, and the idea of meeting Jesus. It's as if the songs are meditations or prayers, filled with both yearning and uncertainty, as Bono navigates the tension between his faith and the harsh realities of life. 

Stranger in a Strange Land

The lyrics of U2's "Stranger in a Strange Land" evoke the biblical story of the Road to Emmaus from Luke 24, where the resurrected Jesus appears as a stranger to two of his disciples. Throughout their journey together, the disciples fail to recognize him until he breaks bread with them, revealing his true identity. 

This theme of spiritual blindness and revelation resonates in the song's lyrics, with Bono seemingly drawing parallels between the experience of feeling disconnected from or alienated within the world and the deeper spiritual realization that can suddenly arise in unexpected moments. 

The metaphor of being a "stranger" captures the human condition of searching for meaning, struggling with faith, and the longing for a connection that transcends the ordinary—similar to how the disciples, initially lost and disillusioned, found hope and recognition in Jesus once their eyes were opened. 

If God Will Send His Angels

It's hard to discern the actual message of this song. The lyrics possibly suggest the character is living in a world where they need some help and they need some angels to come and sort things out.

The line "where is the hope, and where is the faith, and the love?" hints at a lost soul that needs some guidance in light of a world they are concerned about such one where the cartoon network leads into the news and the blind lead the blondes.

The song featured on the City of Angels soundtrack and was a fairly popular single from the Pop album.

Salome

Salome is inspired by the story of the death of John the Baptist which was from the gospel of Mark.

Supposedly a seductive dancer (in the modern-day vernacular, she'd be known as a stripper) Salome's super gyrations convinced the King to grant her a wish to which she asked for the head of John.

Pretty random story and sounds like something that got lost in translation when the Bible got rewritten. It's either that or Oscar Wilde had an overactive imagination. 

These eight songs were only a taste of the many songs that Bono has imbued with lyrics that refer to the Bible or have looked into an 'ecumenical' matter of sorts - Gloria, for example, could probably have a whole essay written about it.

The Wander

In "The Wanderer" from Zooropa, Johnny Cash's vocals paint a vivid picture of a man drifting through a dystopian landscape, searching for meaning in a morally bankrupt world. His journey takes him through the "capitals of tin," a metaphor for modern cities where superficiality reigns, and freedom is stifled, symbolized by the line "where men can't walk or freely talk, and sons turn their fathers in." This chilling observation reflects a society where trust is broken, and even familial bonds are sacrificed for survival or conformity.

As he stops outside a church, Cash highlights the paradox of people desiring the comforts of a spiritual kingdom but rejecting the divine presence itself—"they say they want the kingdom, but they don't want God in it." 

This speaks to a hollow, materialistic spirituality devoid of true faith or connection. The wanderer continues his ride down "that old eight lane," a symbol of the vast, impersonal highways of modern life, passing countless signs, searching for his identity, but finding nothing. His journey is both physical and spiritual, one of existential longing, as he went out "with nothing but the thought you'd be there too, looking for you," a poignant reflection of the hope that perhaps in this desolate world, he might find someone who shares his quest for meaning, love, or redemption. 

The song, rich with metaphor, explores themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the relentless pursuit of something greater in a fractured world.

What other songs do you think show U2's spiritual side? What do they mean for you?

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10 songs that show Bono's lyrical qualities

The one thing that truly stands out for me when thinking about the brilliance of U2 is not their songs, the drums, or riffs.

 
Nor is it the hype and hyperbole of one of the world's most popular bands.

It's simply Bono's lyrics.

Bono has written the vast majority of U2's lyrics and in many of them, you can find some true gems of penmanship, little sparkles of lyrical bliss that took a good song and put it into the territory of musical greatness.

I suggest that while some non U2 fans take any chance to diss Bono, they would be really grumpy buggers if they denied that Bono was a great lyricist.

Like a good poet, Bono's lyrics feature a whole range of subjects - love and loss, drugs, faith, faith in drugs, gods, Elvis and other monsters and of course, politics and its prisoners. He can sometimes get a little dark, touching his inner Darth Vader.

This work leaves ample room for an inquiry into U2's lyrics, especially when The Edge chips in the odd song.

10 songs that show Bono's lyrical writing qualities

What rhymes with achtung?

So what are Bono's best lyrical moments and qualities? 

What's his inspiration for putting pen to paper?

What makes Bono's lyrics so well received by millions of listeners and readers around the world?

I can't speak for anyone else but I thought I could share 10 U2 songs which I think highlight Bono's mastery of his craft.

Some things are simply clever word plays, others are stories of delight and irony - a thing which Bono and the boys were very heavy on in the 1990's.

Trabants on stage anyone?

10 songs that show Bono's lyrical qualities

One

Perhaps second only to With Or Without you in terms of popularity, it is arguably U2's finest song and I believe the lyrics are what make this so - I think this is because it's one of those songs where the lyrics can mean anything and everything to anyone.

At work last week a manager did a pop quiz and asked what this song was about. The answers varied from 'it's about a gay couple' or 'two torn lovers'.

I think Bono's actually on record in the U2 by U2 book as One being a song about a couple that's breaking up.

But that doesn't matter as its words are universal and have been taken to heart by so many U2 fans - indeed some have even had it as their wedding song which I'm sure would be a delicious irony for Bono. 

The Wanderer

"They say they want the kingdom but they don't want God in it".

I think that's Bono perfectly capturing the wishes of so many of us.

We want the nice things, but aren't prepared to put in the effort.

Or something.

For me, The Wanderer always seemed like some post apocalyptic dream - and it's perhaps a sign of a great song where it allows you to shape your own thoughts and fantasies around it (well when Bono mentions the 'atomic sky', that's nice nudge).

Indeed, the whole of Zooropa's lyrics seem to take me to a strange other world, where in some places it's OK to feel numb or taste the lemon but spit out antifreeze.

Original of the Species

The title is suggestive of what's to come in this song, a play on Darwin's epic work about evolution - the song's lyrics are possibly a father looking at his daughter's own evolution from - child to woman.

The second half is more likely Bono singing to his wife (and the message in the first half could also before her) - either way both, themes are heartwarming.

If God Will Send His Angels

'Blind leading the blond' is perhaps my favourite U2 lyric ever. It's just a cleverly simple play on words.

Bono does that trick a fair bit in the Pop album - an almost too cute example is from The Playboy Mansion which opens with the lyric "If Coke is a mystery, and Micheal Jackson, history...".

It was a nice play on the failing career of Jackson and a play on the name of his Greatest Hits album.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Bono defiantly wears this song's lyrics on his sleeve.

A song about soldiers shooting civilians in Northern Ireland - the lyrics capture the moment crisply by invoking a cross fire between religion and the military (and by extension the State) and the sad consequences when both collide.

Featuring a fine use of  a marching drum beat by Larry Mullen, the song's chorus is a defining moment for Bono - it was one of U2's first truly popular 'classic' songs and it many ways this song defined U2 as a band that could carry some political weight.

U2 would return to this theme with "Please" and "The Troubles".
.

Until the End of the World

"In my dream I was drowning my sorrows
But my sorrows, they learned to swim
Surrounding me, going down on me
Spilling over the brim

Waves of regret and waves of joy
I reached out for the one I tried to destroy
You, you said you'd wait
'Til the end of the world"

Simply one of Bono's finest song writing moments.

Water is commonly used as a metaphor life yet here's Bono drowning in his sorrows.

The song can be seen as a obvious story about how Judas betrayed Jesus and thus seen as one of those "U2 going on about God and spiritually" type songs but as with all good lyrics they can mean anything.

I tend to see this one more of a dramatic break up between two lovers where the relationship perhaps has been bit one sided.

The Wanderer

"They say they want the kingdom but they don't want God in it". I think that's Bono perfectly capturing the wishes of so many of us.

We want the nice things, but aren't prepared to put in the effort.

For me, The Wanderer always seemed like some post apocalyptic dream - and it's perhaps a sign of a great song where it allows you to shape your own thoughts and fantasies around it (well when Bono mentions the 'atomic sky', that's nice nudge).

Indeed, the whole of Zooropa's lyrics seem to take me to a  strange other world, where in some places it's OK to feel numb or taste the lemon but spit out antifreeze.

Please 

Not a hugely popular song on release as a single but I think time has shown that Please was a fine song from U2's Pop album.

Lyrically it was a political plea, invoking the captains of Irish politics to sort their messes out (The Troubles).

The listener would perhaps know the song had political connotations if they had seen the cover which featured Gerry Adams and other elected leaders - however this stanza effectively leaves no stone unturned as Bono thows a rock in the air to hit home the issues:

Your Catholic blues, your convent shoes
Your stick-on tattoos, now they're making the news
Your holy war, your northern star
Your sermon on the mount from the boot of your car

Strong stuff from an album many people were quick to write off.

Get on Your Boots

One could be forgiven for thinking that Get on Your Boots was simply a throw away song by U2 ( indeed one wonders why they released it as the first single from No Line on the Horizon when Magnificent probably would have given them a hit single) however the lyrics of this song run deep.

Almost a stream of consciousness, tripping through its seemingly nonsensical words but when Bono writes "I don’t want to talk about the wars between the nations" is he saying everything or just burying his head in the sand?

All I Want is You

This is Bono's finest love letter he has ever written.

The closing from Rattle and Hum is simply a man tell a woman how he loves her - it's perhaps not the happiest song with undertones suggesting things may have gone awry - indeed the tremendous coda at the end suggests a passionate love affair being ripped apart by uncaring forces.

A good lyric deserves a fine musical backing and All I Want is You has it in spades.

Summary

So that was my attempt to highlight some of the fine lyrical qualities and charms that Bono and U2 have to offer.

Of course, with any interpretation of songs, the whole exercise is a subjective journey, indeed a musical journey that could have stopped at a completely different set of songs.

Bono is a bit of a lyrical magpie.

He steals lines from the bible and riffs on the work of others (such as when he tried to write a sequel of sorts to John Lennon's 'God') to make his point. But he does that and gets his unique messages across to the listener very well.

If someone hasn't already printed a book featuring all of U2's lyrics, they surely will as they serve as some fine literature in their own right. Throw in some politcal rallying and a little love making and there's a best seller book of poetry on your hands....

What are your favourite lyrical moments from U2?

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U2 songs with lyrics about War, Soldiers, Civilians and Civility

GNR once asked 'what's so civil about war anyway?'

 
U2 seem to write songs with lyrics about war in some form or another on just about every album they've released.

U2's engagement with the theme of war in their lyrics demonstrates the band's enduring commitment to addressing complex global issues through their music. 

Often drawing from historical events and personal observations, their songs explore the ramifications of conflict, the toll it takes on humanity, and the longing for peace.

I've got soul but I'm not a soldier

In "Sunday Bloody Sunday," a track from their 1983 album "War," U2 delves into the horrors of the Bloody Sunday massacre in Northern Ireland. This song, with its martial drumbeat and evocative lyrics like, "Broken bottles under children's feet/Bodies strewn across the dead-end street," powerfully conveys the senselessness of violence and the deep scars left by sectarian strife. 

Another notable example is "Bullet the Blue Sky," from their 1987 album "The Joshua Tree," where Bono's vivid lyrical imagery paints a stark picture of the devastation wrought by military interventions, particularly in Central America. The song's intense, almost sermon-like delivery underscores the band's critique of war and its impact on the innocent. Through these and other songs, U2 articulates a strong anti-war stance, advocating for peace and reconciliation. 

Their war-themed lyrics are not just political statements; they are poignant reflections on the human cost of conflict, offering a perspective that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

U2's extensive body of work reflects their deep concern for the global and personal impacts of war, frequently framing their lyrics around the themes of conflict, human suffering, and the urgent need for peace. In "Mothers of the Disappeared," from The Joshua Tree, U2 poignantly addresses the anguish of families in Latin America who lost loved ones to military dictatorships, once again shining a light on the individual human cost of political violence. 

Similarly, "Miss Sarajevo" from Original Soundtracks 1—a collaboration with Brian Eno under the name Passengers—captures the juxtaposition of beauty and brutality during the Bosnian War, emphasizing the absurdity and tragedy of life continuing in the shadow of destruction. 

Even in more recent tracks like "Cedarwood Road" from Songs of Innocence, Bono explores how the violence of Northern Ireland’s Troubles shaped his personal outlook on conflict and peace. U2’s ability to weave these themes into their music, whether through direct confrontation or personal reflection, reveals a consistent thread of empathy, moral urgency, and a desire to inspire change. 

Much like Guns N’ Roses’ cynical question, “What’s so civil about war anyway?,” U2’s war-themed songs interrogate the myths and justifications surrounding conflict, ultimately condemning violence and advocating for a world where peace prevails over destruction.

Except for Boy, that album was just full of stories....ahem.

Winter

A song probably taken from the No Line on the Horizon album recording sessions, Winter was used in the soundtrack for the Wim Wenders film. Brothers (U2 have a long association with Wim - he directed their video for Stay and Until the End of the World was used for the film of the same name).

Winter is about is a song about the experience of the armed forces in Afghanistan, where Winder's film is set.

The Unforgettable Fire

Inspired by paintings that were about the nuclear bombs that were dropped on the two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki to effectively end Japan's involvement in World War II.

The Unforgettable Fire is not just a reflection not on war but the last effect the atomic bombs had on the people of Japan.

Bullet the Blue Sky

Arguably the most political song U2 has ever written, at least it's probably the most popular one! The lyrics are a savage indictment on American foreign policy.

Miss Sarejevo from Original Soundtracks Vol 1.

Please don't let them kill us...

When Bono asks if there's a time for East 17 (a boy band that everyone has now forgotten) during the Bonsnian War, you've gotta ask what he's talking about.

The song's lyrics actually praises the rebellious spirit of the Sarajevan people who refused to surrender their way of life during the conflict.

And what did they do? They staged a beauty contest.

Which clearly inspired the chorus of the song, "Here she comes, heads turn around, here she comes, to take her crown".

Please

If you could consider that the IRA's disgraceful and disgusting campaign against the people of Ireland was a civil war of sorts then Please is U2 exhorting Ireland's Political leaders to stop the civil war they had been waging.

Mothers of the Disappeared

A lyrical expression of the suffering experienced by the mothers and grandmothers of the thousands of children abducted during the conflict in Central America during the late 1970s through to the mid 1980s, particularly during Argentina's so called "Dirty War" (1976-1983). The Dirty War was a civil-style war that the American government covertly sanctioned in a bid to stop the 'communist threat' that was pervading at the time.

Given this song was written in the mid 80s one can see how it's a cousin of sorts to Bullet the Blue Sky - indeed both songs appeared on the Joshua Tree album..

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U2's lyrical references to war heated up with the release of U2 first truly 'popular' album War. Marking Bono's ascent into a true lyrical monster, War's songs features thoughts on soldiers shooting protesting civilians in Sunday Bloody Sunday.

Seconds reflects on terrorist actions in trying to set off atomic bombs (a theme U2 often turn to) in a supposed attempt to cause nuclear war.

Maybe.

Maybe they just want us all to give peace a chance like John Lennon did.

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U2 songs that name check real people

U2 as lego blocks!

U2 songs that reference real people

Here's a few songs where Bono was named checked real people in his song lyrics.

There's also a few songs where the lyrics a talking about a real person but they are not directly named.

Angel of Harlem

A song about singer Billie Holiday, Bono was trying to throw the kitchen sink at this song, referencing all kinds of musical figures including John Coltrane and Miles Davis.

One Tree Hill

Bono name dropped Victor Jara in this song that is really popular in NZ for some reason.....

"And in our world a heart of darknessA firezone where poets speak their hearts
Then bleed for it Jara sang his song a weapon
In the hands of love
You know his blood still cries from the ground"

This verse is referring to how Victor Jara was executed for his political disssent and thus became a symbol of the struggle for human rights.

Elvis Ate America

This is possibly the U2 lyric that refers to the most people Lisa Marie Presley Chuck D, Johnny Cash all feature with shout outs to Hitler, Nixon, Christ, Mishima, Markus and Michael Jackson.

Bono would later refer to Michael Jackson in Pop's The Playboy Mansion as well, but that's all history now...

God Part II

This song was intended as a sequel to John Lennon's song called God.

Lennon's song refers to things he didn't believe in such as war and The Beatles.

Bono's version also refers to things that he also doesn't believe in but also goes on to refer to how angry he was at the author Albert Goldman who wrote an unflattering biography of Lennon (and also a controversial biography of Elvis, and given U2's love of Elvis, I'm not surprised Bono made the reference).

Pride

"For the Reverend Martin Luther King, sing". Pride was inspired the the civil rights activist - that particular line comes from the live version of Pride on Rattle and Hum.

Stand Up Comedy

References the famous French soldier Napoleon and his wife Josephine.

Peace on Earth

Inspired by the Real IRA Omagh bombing in Northern Ireland on 15 August 1998. The song lists the names of people killed in the bombing. Similarly, inspiration for the lyric, "She never got to say goodbye / To see the colour in his eye / Now he's in the dirt" comes from the funeral of Barker, another victim of the bombing. Other bomb victims named were Sean, Julia, Gareth, Anne, and Brenda.

Dirty Day

Whilst not directly referenced but the liner notes of Zooropa showed the song was dedicated to Charles Bukowski.

Who have I missed?

Song Title	Person Referenced	Context
"MLK"	Martin Luther King Jr.	Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on peace and dreams of a better future.
"Pride (In the Name of Love)"	Martin Luther King Jr.	Inspired by the civil rights leader; live versions explicitly dedicate it to him with the line, "For the Reverend Martin Luther King, sing."
"Angel of Harlem"	Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Miles Davis	Tribute to Billie Holiday, with additional musical references highlighting jazz legends.
"One Tree Hill"	Victor Jara	Honors the Chilean activist and musician executed under Pinochet's regime, symbolizing the fight for justice.
"God Part II"	John Lennon, Albert Goldman	Written as a sequel to Lennon’s “God”; references Bono’s anger at Goldman’s controversial biographies of Lennon and Elvis.
"Elvis Ate America"	Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson	Name-drops numerous cultural icons, blending critique and admiration; also references Hitler, Nixon, and Christ.
"Stand Up Comedy"	Napoleon, Josephine	Reflects on power and relationships, invoking the famous French leader and his wife.
"Peace on Earth"	Victims of Omagh bombing	Inspired by the 1998 Omagh bombing, explicitly naming victims (e.g., Sean, Julia, Gareth, Anne, Brenda).
"Dirty Day"	Charles Bukowski	Not directly referenced but the liner notes dedicate the song to Bukowski’s raw and reflective style.
"The Sweetest Thing"	Ali Hewson	Written as an apology after Bono missed her birthday, the song is both regretful and celebratory, highlighting the depth of their relationship.
"With or Without You"	Ali Hewson	Captures the tension between Bono’s role as a global rock star and his commitment to Ali, revealing the sacrifices of love and ambition.
"All I Want Is You"	Ali Hewson	A heartfelt declaration of enduring love, often interpreted as Bono’s ode to Ali and their lifelong bond.
"Wild Honey"	Ali Hewson	A cheerful love song reflecting the simplicity and joy Bono associates with his relationship with Ali.
"Miss Sarajevo"	Inela Nogić	References the Miss Sarajevo pageant held during the Bosnian War, symbolizing resilience amidst suffering.
"Van Diemen's Land"	John Boyle O'Reilly	Tribute to the Irish poet and activist exiled to Australia for his revolutionary activities.
"Iris (Hold Me Close)"	Iris Hewson (Bono’s mother)	Tribute to Bono’s mother, expressing the loss and her lasting influence on his life.
"Breathe"	Aung San Suu Kyi	Inspired by the Burmese leader, focusing on themes of resilience and hope.
"The Playboy Mansion"	Michael Jackson	Critiques fame and materialism, mentioning Jackson in the context of societal excesses.
"The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)"	Joey Ramone	Tribute to Joey Ramone, celebrating the influence of punk rock on U2.
"Cedarwood Road"	Guggi (childhood friend)	Describes Bono’s childhood bond with Guggi, centered on shared formative experiences.
"When Love Comes to Town"	Jesus Christ	Reflects on human culpability in Christ’s crucifixion, weaving in gospel themes.
"Silver and Gold"	Nelson Mandela (indirect)	Written for the anti-apartheid movement, indirectly inspired by Mandela’s activism.

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'Invisible' lyrics by U2

Invisible is the song title of a new U2 song, their first since the 2013 release of Ordinary Love.

Described as an 'anthemic number about leaving one's hometown', Bono’s lyrics reflect a journey from obscurity to visibility, capturing the longing to break free from the past and the desire to assert one's individuality. 

The refrain "I'm more than you know, I'm more than you see here" speaks to a universal struggle for recognition, particularly among those who feel marginalized or overlooked. 

This idea is amplified by the song’s association with (RED), U2’s long-standing AIDS awareness initiative, where the act of making the invisible visible takes on broader humanitarian implications.

Invisible song lyrics by U2

It’s like the room just cleared of smoke
I didn’t even want the heart you broke
It’s yours to keep
You just might need one

I finally found my real name
I won’t be me when you see me again
No, I won’t be my father’s son

I’m more than you know
I’m more than you see here
More than you let me be
I’m more than you know
A body in a soul
You don’t see me but you will
I am not invisible

That's right
I’ll be in the invisible world

I don’t dream, not as such
I don’t even think about you that much
Unless I start to think at all

All those frozen days
And your frozen ways
They melt away your face like snow

I’m more than you know
I’m more than you see here
I’m more than you let me be
I’m more than you know
A body in a soul
You don’t see me but you will
I am not invisible
I am here

There is no them
There is no them
There’s only us
There’s only us
There is no them
There is no them
There’s only us
There’s only us
There is no them
There is no them
There’s only you
And there’s only me
There is no them

Invisible is yet another Bono lyric that features a reference to his Father, check out the discussion at Mothers and Fathers.

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