'The Joshua Tree' album lyrics by U2

Released in 1987, The Joshua Tree marked a pivotal moment in U2's career, elevating the band to international stardom while also expanding their musical and thematic scope.The follow up to the well-received The Unforgettable Fire made U2 globally famous and delivered some of the best songs that the 1980's could muster. 

The Joshua Tree's lyrics delved into the politics of the US Government, heroin addiction, love, spirituality and other social issues.

The album weaves a rich tapestry of themes, including a quest for spiritual meaning, the struggle against injustice, and the complexities of the American dream. Songs like "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and "With or Without You" delve into the realms of spiritual yearning and the complexities of human relationships, offering a universal resonance that transcends geographical boundaries. 

The album also takes a critical look at America, a nation that fascinated the band, both as an ideal and a real place with deep contradictions. 

This is evident in tracks like "Bullet the Blue Sky" and "Mothers of the Disappeared," which comment on U.S. foreign policy and human rights abuses in Central America, highlighting the band's engagement with global political issues.

"The Joshua Tree" also explores themes of displacement and alienation, as seen in "Where the Streets Have No Name," symbolizing a longing for a utopian space of belonging and identity. 

The album’s sound, characterized by its expansive and atmospheric quality, perfectly complements its thematic depth, making "The Joshua Tree" not only a commercial success but also a critical milestone in U2's career, as it captures their evolution into a band deeply engaged with the moral and political dilemmas of their time.

The Joshua Tree album lyrics:

1. "Where the Streets Have No Name"
2. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
3. "With or Without You"
4. "Bullet the Blue Sky"
5. "Running to Stand Still"
6. "Red Hill Mining Town"
7. "In God's Country"
8. "Trip Through Your Wires"
9. "One Tree Hill"
10. "Exit"
11. "Mothers of the Disappeared"

B-sides, covers 

• "Spanish Eyes," a B-side to "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
• "Sweetest Thing," originally a B-side to "Where the Streets Have No Name," + Race Against Time.
• Luminous Times (Hold on to Love) + Walk to the Water tagged on With or Without You.
• Silver and Gold
• Deep in the Heart

The Joshua Tree sold over 30 million albums and the songs With Or Without and Where the Streets Have No Name are played at every single concert as the fans have been known to riot if they are not played!

U2’s song "One Tree Hill," from The Joshua Tree album, serves as a poignant tribute to Greg Carroll, a close friend and roadie who tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 1986. Carroll, a native of New Zealand, had developed a deep bond with Bono, and his death profoundly impacted the band. U2 primarily performs "One Tree Hill" in New Zealand to honor Carroll's memory and his homeland, with the song's title referencing a volcanic peak in Auckland where Bono accompanied Carroll's family to lay him to rest. 

The lyrics reflect themes of loss, grief, and resilience, making each performance a heartfelt moment for both the band and the audience, underscoring the enduring connection between personal relationships, art, and the legacy of friendship.

When U2 played it in Auckland in 2010 it was dedicated to the deceased miners of  the Pike River Mine Disaster.

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U2's B-Side "Spanish Eyes" lyrics

U2's "Spanish Eyes" b-side lyrics

Spanish Eyes was the b-side to the very popular single from The Joshua Tree, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. 

Similar to how U2 usually only play One Tree Hill when they perform in NZ, Spanish Eyes is generally only played in Spain.

The meaning in Bono's lyrics is suggestion that the Irish have Spanish heritage in their ancestry (whether DNA based or not). Bono is really making a simple love song with a focus on eyes, as is custom for many songs.

Spanish Eyes Lyrics

Hey, hey, baby hang on
Baby hang on

Hang to your heart
Beat tight like a drum set
Hang on to your love
See it shine like a song
Hey, hey, baby hang on

Our love it shines like rain
In those spanish eyes, spanish eyes

Hey, hey, here she comes
Comes in colours
You know she gonna turn the daylight on
Cause I love the way you talk to me
And I love the way you walk on me
And I need you
More than you need me
Our love, shines like rain
In those spanish eyes, spanish eyes

Across the world
For green and gold
It's those spanish eyes
That get me home
Home again

Hey, hey, baby hang on
Hey, hey, you know that
The night is young
Dazzled by lights that
Shine in your eyes
I'm standing in the shadows
And wait for the night
Forever in fever
Forever in heat
You pick me up to put me out on the street

Hey, hey, baby hang on, hang on
Hey, hey, baby hang on, hang on
Cause I love the way you talk to me
And I love the way you need me
And I need you

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"Mothers Of The Disappeared" song lyrics by U2

“Mothers of the Disappeared,” a poignant track from U2’s The Joshua Tree, stands as a heartfelt tribute to the families and victims of political violence, particularly in Latin America during the 1970s and 1980s. The song draws inspiration from the plight of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo, a group of Argentine mothers whose children were forcibly disappeared during the country’s military dictatorship.

Bono's lyrics evoke a profound sense of grief and longing, as he channels the voices of these mothers searching for their lost children, articulating the universal pain of loss and the enduring hope for justice. Lines like “In the blue of the night” capture both the sorrow and resilience of those left behind, emphasizing the haunting absence of the disappeared and the emotional turmoil that accompanies such tragedies.

U2's "Mothers Of The Disappeared" song lyrics

Midnight, our sons and daughters
Were cut down and taken from us
Hear their heartbeat
We hear their heartbeat

In the wind we hear their laughter
In the rain we see their tears
Hear their heartbeat
We hear their heartbeat

Night hangs like a prisoner
Stretched over black and blue
Hear their heartbeat
We hear their heartbeat

In the trees our sons stand naked
Through the walls our daughters cry
See their tears in the rainfall

-

Musically, “Mothers of the Disappeared” features an atmospheric soundscape that complements its lyrical depth, combining haunting melodies with a somber yet ethereal quality. The Edge’s use of the guitar creates a shimmering effect, weaving in and out of the song's textures to evoke a sense of yearning and sorrow.

The song is anchored by a steady rhythm that carries a weight of solemnity, reinforcing the gravity of the subject matter. Bono’s impassioned vocal delivery imbues the track with emotional intensity, reflecting the anguish and hope of those who continue to seek answers. Through its poignant narrative and evocative sound, “Mothers of the Disappeared” stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost of political repression and the unyielding spirit of those who seek justice for their loved ones, solidifying U2's commitment to social issues and their ability to merge personal narratives with global themes.

Read more Joshua Tree Lyrics, including "Trip Through Your Wires", "One Tree Hill" and "Exit".

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U2's "Exit" song lyrics from The Joshua Tree

“Exit,” a compelling track from U2's The Joshua Tree, serves as a haunting exploration of despair, violence, and existential dread, delving deep into the psyche of individuals confronted with moral ambiguity. Inspired by the themes of isolation and desperation, Bono's lyrics paint a stark portrait of a troubled mind, grappling with the weight of personal and societal issues. The narrative unfolds with chilling imagery, as lines like “In the exit” evoke a sense of entrapment and the feeling of being cornered by one’s choices. 

Bono channels the emotions of a man on the brink, contemplating the darkest corners of the human experience while grappling with the consequences of violence and the fragility of existence. The song’s lyrical depth invites listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world, creating a palpable tension that resonates throughout.

U2's "Exit" song lyrics from The Joshua Tree

You know he got the cure
You know he went astray
He used to stay awake
To drive the dreams he had away
He wanted to believe
In the hands of love

His head it felt heavy
As he cut across the land
A dog started crying
Like a broken hearted man
At the howling wind
At the howling wind

He went deeper into black
Deeper into white
He could see the stars shining
Like nails in the night
He felt the healing
Healing, healing
Healing hands of love
Like the stars shining from above

His hand in his pocket
His finger on the steel
The pistol weighed heavy
In his heart he could feel
It was beating, beating
Beating, beating oh my love
Oh my love, oh my love
Oh my love
My love

See the hands that build
Can also pull down
The hands of love

-

Musically, “Exit” amplifies its emotional gravity through a driving rhythm and atmospheric instrumentation, making it one of the most intense tracks on the album. The Edge's guitar work stands out, utilizing distortion and reverb to create an expansive soundscape that mirrors the turmoil depicted in the lyrics. Adam Clayton’s rhythmic bass lines and Larry Mullen Jr.'s powerful drumming provide a relentless backdrop, propelling the song forward while evoking a sense of urgency and inevitability. Bono’s impassioned delivery adds to the urgency, as he captures the raw emotions of desperation and contemplation. 

The interplay between the music and lyrics creates a haunting resonance, making “Exit” a powerful meditation on the choices that define us and the societal pressures that push individuals to the edge. U2 masterfully crafts a piece that is both an introspective journey and a reflection on broader human struggles, solidifying “Exit” as a standout moment on The Joshua Tree and a testament to the band's artistic depth.

Check out the lyrics to some other great songs from The Joshua Tree album, the number one songs, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For "With or Without You" and the very politically potent "Bullet the Blue Sky"

Bono's reference to stars has become a common theme for Bono - see The Fly, If you wear that Velvet Dress, Crumbs from Your Table or Elevation.

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"One Tree Hill" lyrics by U2 from The Joshua Tree

"One Tree Hill" is the ninth track and final single from U2's album, The Joshua Tree.

The song is a poignant tribute to Greg Carroll, a New Zealander who became a close friend and roadie for the band. Carroll tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin in 1986, an event that deeply affected the band members, particularly Bono.

The song's dedication to Carroll is not only a reflection of their personal loss but also a celebration of his life and the impact he had on the band. "One Tree Hill," named after a volcanic peak in Auckland, New Zealand, which Carroll had once taken Bono to visit, is imbued with emotional resonance and spiritual significance. The lyrics, "We run like a river runs to the sea/You run like a river runs to the sea," speak to the themes of memory, loss, and the inevitable journey towards an end.

The song's mournful yet hopeful tone captures the essence of grief and the process of coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.

The single was released exclusively in New Zealand in 1988 where it went to number one and was U2's first number one single there. It has remained a favourite U2 song for Kiwis - especially the homesick ones!

The title of the song refers to the actual One Tree Hill, a volcanic peak in Auckland that is a popular landmark. At the time of the song's release, a single Monterey pine tree stood on the hill, hence the common name of the hill. The tree was removed in 2000, 6 years after being chainsawed by a deluded activist protesting about some bullshit.

Everyone in NZ hates that clown.

When U2 returned to Auckland in 2006, the song was played each night, with Bono noting the tree had not yet been replaced, though the local Auckland City Council has 5 seedlings growing ready for when it is appropriate to plant a tree.

When U2 returned to NZ in 2010 U2 dedicated it to the miners who lost their lives in the Pike River Mining Disaster. I was in the crowd and it was a pretty special moment.

"One Tree Hill" Lyrics U2

We turn away to face the cold, enduring chill
As the day begs the night for mercy
Your sun so bright it leaves no shadows, only scars
Carved into stone on the face of earth
The moon is up over One Tree Hill
We see the sun go down in your eyes

You ran like a river oh, to the sea
You run like a river runs to the sea

And in our world a heart of darkness
A 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

It runs like a river, runs to the sea
It runs like a river to the sea

I don't believe in painted roses or bleeding hearts
While bullets rape the night of the merciful
I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky
And the moon has turned red over One Tree Hill

We run like a river to the sea, run to the sea
We run like a river to the sea
And when it's raining, raining hard
That's when the rain will break my heart
Raining, raining hard, raining in your heart
Raining, rain into your heart, raining

Oh great ocean, oh great sea
Run to the ocean, run to the sea

Want more great lyrics? Check out some classic tracks from The Joshua Tree. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", "With or Without You" and the, politically charged "Bullet the Blue Sky".

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"Trip Through Your Wires" song lyrics by U2

“Trip Through Your Wires,” a track from U2’s critically acclaimed album The Joshua Tree, is a rich tapestry of longing and desire woven through vivid imagery and emotive storytelling. The song captures a sense of yearning, exploring the complex interplay between love, vulnerability, and the search for connection. 

Bono’s lyrics create a poignant narrative that evokes a feeling of wandering, both physically and emotionally, as the protagonist traverses through a landscape marked by both beauty and pain. Lines like “In the blue of the night, in the blue of the night” reflect a sense of introspection, as the imagery of dusk serves as a metaphor for uncertainty and the uncharted territories of relationships. 

The song encapsulates the desire to bridge the emotional distance between two people, illuminating the vulnerability that accompanies such intimacy.

"Trip Through Your Wires" song lyrics by U2

A song from U2's The Joshua Tree album.

Lyrics:

In the distance she saw me coming 'round
I was calling out, I was calling out

Still shaking, still in pain
You put me back together again
I was cold, you clothed me, honey
I was down, you lifted me, honey

Angel, angel or devil
I was thirsty and you wet my lips
You, I'm wating for you
You, you set my desire
I trip through your wires

I was broken, bent out of shape
I was naked in the clothes you made
My lips were dry, throat like rust
You gave me shelter from the heat and the dust
No more water in the well
No more water, water

Angel, angel or devil
I was thirsty and you wet my lips
You, I'm waiting for you
You, you set my desire
I trip through your wires

All I need, all I need
All I need, all I need
All I need, all I need
All I need yeah yeah

Thunder, thunder on the mountain
There's a rain cloud in the desert sky
In the distance she saw me coming 'round
I was calling out, I was calling out

Musically, the composition of “Trip Through Your Wires” enhances its lyrical themes, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive. The Edge’s distinctive guitar work features jangly riffs and a subtle yet driving rhythm that mirrors the song’s narrative journey. The instrumentation builds a warm, inviting soundscape, wrapping the listener in its embrace while maintaining an underlying tension that reflects the complexity of love. Bono’s passionate vocals convey a sense of urgency, emphasizing the emotional stakes at play in this quest for connection.

Check out other lyrics from The Joshua Tree including "Running to Stand Still" and "Red Hill Mining Town"

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"In God's Country" U2 song lyrics

"In God's Country," a standout track from U2's The Joshua Tree, serves as a stirring meditation on the themes of belonging, identity, and the search for spiritual meaning amidst the desolation of the American landscape. 

With its vivid imagery and evocative lyrics, Bono paints a portrait of a land fraught with contradictions—a place that embodies both beauty and brutality. 

Lines such as “In the blue sky” juxtapose the allure of the natural world with the unsettling realities of human existence, reflecting a deep yearning for connection and purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe. 

The song’s references to American iconography and the struggles faced by those who inhabit this vast land encapsulate a complex relationship with both geography and spirituality, prompting listeners to consider the notion of divine presence in a country marked by turmoil and division.

The song's lyrics convey the United States as a desert rose, a siren whose dress is torn in "ribbons and bows".

The lyric hints at Bono's perceived a lack of political ideas in The West which he later contrasted to the revolution in Nicaragua where he had travelled during the recording of The Joshua Tree. Bullet the Blue Sky was another strongly political song from the album, and together they firmly cemented U2 as a protest band, one very concerned with the unwarranted political interventions of America in other countries.

"In God's Country" U2 song lyrics from The Joshua Tree

Yeah

Desert sky
Dream beneath a desert sky
The rivers run but soon run dry
We need new dreams tonight

Desert rose
Dreamed I saw a desert rose
Dress torn in ribbons and in bows
Like a siren she calls to me

Sleep comes like a drug
In God's Country
Sad eyes, crooked crosses
In God's Country

Set me alight
We'll punch a hole right through the night
Everyday the dreamers die
To see what's on the other side

She is liberty
And she comes to rescue me
Hope, faith, her vanity
The greatest gift is gold

Sleep comes like a drug
In God's Country
Sad eyes, crooked crosses
In God's Country

Naked flame
She stands with a naked flame
I stand with the sons of Cain
Burned by the fire of love
Burned by the fire of love

-

Musically, the song complements its lyrical depth with an atmospheric soundscape that merges jangly guitars with an anthemic quality. The Edge’s shimmering guitar riffs evoke the expansive vistas of the American West while simultaneously underscoring the emotional weight of the lyrics. Bono's passionate delivery adds an urgent plea for understanding and redemption, emphasizing the internal conflicts that arise from one’s sense of place in the world. 

“In God's Country” encapsulates U2’s exploration of faith and doubt, highlighting the spiritual void that often accompanies the pursuit of the American Dream. This intricate interplay between lyrical content and musical composition reinforces the song’s lasting impact, inviting listeners to reflect on their own connections to the land, their faith, and the search for meaning in a complex and ever-changing world.

Check out the lyrics to Mothers of the Disappeared. You could also try "In God's Country", "Trip Through Your Wires" and the favourite of every New Zealander "One Tree Hill".

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"Red Hill Mining Town" song lyrics by U2

In "Red Hill Mining Town," U2 channels the spirit of a struggling mining community through a poignant narrative that captures the profound sense of loss and longing experienced by those left behind in the wake of economic decline. Featured on their landmark 1987 album The Joshua Tree, the song's inspiration lies in the realities faced by workers in regions impacted by industrial closures and the socio-economic fallout that ensues. 

Bono's evocative lyrics and emotive vocals serve as a rallying cry for those forgotten by society, encapsulating the heartache of families grappling with job loss and a diminishing sense of purpose. The imagery of a desolate mining town evokes both a physical landscape and an emotional state, emphasizing the disconnection between the promise of prosperity and the harsh realities of life.

The narrative unfolds in a manner that humanizes the plight of the working class, portraying the dreams and aspirations that are often crushed by larger economic forces. Lines such as “In the red hill mining town, the sun it shines” illustrate the stark contrast between nature's beauty and the bleakness of daily existence for the town's residents. 

The mining town serves as a microcosm of the broader struggles faced by communities across the world as they confront the challenges of deindustrialization. Bono’s haunting refrain captures a sense of yearning not only for economic stability but also for connection and identity in a rapidly changing world. This emotional depth resonates with listeners, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of loss and resilience.

 "Red Hill Mining Town" song lyrics by U2 from The Joshua Tree album

From father to son the blood runs thin
See faces frozen still against the wind
The seam is split, the coal face cracked
The lines are long, there's no going back
Through hands of steel and a heart of stone
Our labor day has come and gone

And you leave us holding on
In Red Hill Town, see the lights go down on
I'm hanging on
You're all that's left to hold on to
I'm still waiting
I'm hanging on
You're all that's left to hold on to

The glass is cut, the bottle run dry
Our love runs cold in the caverns of the night
We're wounded by fear, injured in doubt
I can lose myself, you I can't live without

Yeah, you keep me holding on
In Red Hill Town, see the lights go down on
I'm hanging on
You're all that's left to hold on to
I'm still waiting
I'm hanging on
You're all that's left to hold on to
On to

We scorch the earth, set fire to the sky
We stoop so low to reach so high
A link is lost, the chain undone
We wait all day for the night to come
And it comes like a hunter, child

I'm hanging on
You're all that's left to hold on to
I'm still waiting
I'm hanging on
You're all that's left to hold on to
Love slowly stripped away
Love has seen its better day
Hanging on
Lights go out on Red Hill
Lights go down on Red Hill
The lights go down on Red Hill Town
Lights go down on Red Hill

Musically, "Red Hill Mining Town" is marked by its atmospheric production and driving rhythms, showcasing U2's ability to meld sound and meaning seamlessly. The Edge's jangly guitar riffs and layered harmonies create an expansive soundscape that enhances the song's narrative weight. The instrumentation builds gradually, reflecting the growing sense of urgency and despair as the story unfolds. Ultimately, U2 crafts a compelling commentary on the human cost of economic upheaval and the enduring hope that persists even in the face of adversity. 

The song was initially intended to be the second single from The Joshua Tree album.

However, the U2 later surmised they would be unable to play it live every night since the notes were too high for Bono to do every time. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" was released instead. 

Indeed, the song was never played live, although it was soundchecked in November 1987. A music video for the song was filmed and directed by Neil Jordan, but was not released until it was included on the bonus DVD of the 20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Box reissue of The Joshua Tree.

You can watch the video below:

The 30th Anniversary of the release of The Joshua Tree was an opportunity for Steve Lilywhite to remix the song. It was called the '2017 mix'.

"Red Hill Mining Town" stands as a powerful reminder of the band's commitment to addressing social issues through their art, showcasing their ability to turn personal and communal struggles into anthems of resilience and hope.

Want to read some more of Bono's lyrics from The Joshua Tree? Try "In God's Country", "Trip Through Your Wires" and the favourite of every New Zealander "One Tree Hill" their tribute to Greg Carroll.

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"Running To Stand Still" song lyrics by U2

In U2’s haunting ballad “Running to Stand Still,” from their iconic 1987 album The Joshua Tree, the band delivers a poignant exploration of addiction, despair, and the struggle for redemption. Set against the backdrop of a troubled Dublin, the song’s narrative centers on a young couple grappling with the ravages of heroin addiction. 

With its slow, deliberate pace and melancholic melodies, U2 crafts a soundscape that echoes the weight of the lyrics, inviting listeners into the suffocating reality of addiction. Bono’s evocative vocals, coupled with The Edge’s ethereal guitar riffs, create an atmosphere that captures both the fragility of hope and the relentless grip of despair.

Lyrically, “Running to Stand Still” reflects a deep-seated awareness of the personal and social ramifications of drug addiction, particularly in Ireland during the 1980s. Bono tells the story of a woman seeking solace and escape through heroin, highlighting the cyclical nature of addiction: the fleeting moments of euphoria followed by a harsh return to reality. 

Lines such as “I can’t stop running to stand still” encapsulate the futility of this struggle, as the couple becomes trapped in a vicious cycle of dependence and desperation. The imagery of the “Dublin street” serves as a stark reminder of the environment that breeds such despair, painting a vivid portrait of a society grappling with its demons while longing for liberation.

 "Running To Stand Still" song lyrics by U2

And so she woke up
Woke up from where she was lying still
Said I got to do something
About where we're going
Step on a steam train
Step out of the driving rain
Maybe run from the darkness in the night

Singing ha la la la de day
Ha la la la de day ha la la de day

Sweet the sin
Bitter the taste in my mouth
I see seven towers
But I only see one way out
You got to cry with out weeping
Talk without speaking
Scream without raising your voice
You know I took the poison from the poison stream
Then I floated out of here

Singing ha la la la de day
Ha la la la de day ha la la de day

She runs through the streets
With her eyes painted red
Under a black belly of cloud in the rain
In through a doorway she brings me
White gold and pearls stolen from the sea
She is raging, she is raging
And the storm blows up in her eyes
She will suffer the needle chill
She is running to stand still

Check out other lyrics from The Joshua Tree including "With or Without You" and "Red Hill Mining Town"

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"Bullet The Blue Sky" song lyrics by U2

In the 1980s, El Salvador was embroiled in a brutal civil war between the U.S.-backed Salvadoran government and leftist guerrilla groups. The conflict was marked by widespread human rights abuses, including massacres, torture, and the displacement of civilians. The United States, under the guise of fighting communism, provided military and financial support to the Salvadoran government. This interference often exacerbated the violence and suffering of the civilian population. By the time U2 wrote "Bullet the Blue Sky," the atrocities committed in El Salvador were widely reported, sparking protests and calls for a reevaluation of U.S. policies in the region.

U2’s lyrics serve as a scathing commentary on American imperialism and the moral implications of foreign intervention. By depicting scenes of destruction and despair caused by American-supported forces, the song criticizes the idea that the U.S. is a benevolent force in international affairs. Instead, it questions the ethical responsibility of a nation that often prioritizes political interests over human rights.

Outside is America indeed...

"Bullet The Blue Sky" song lyrics by U2 from The Joshua Tree

 In the howling wind
Comes a stinging rain
See it driving nails
Into souls on the tree of pain
From the firefly a red orange glow
See the face of fear
Running scared in the valley below

The sky
The sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky

In the locust wind
Comes a rattle and hum
Jacob wrestled the angel
And the angel was overcome
You plant a demon seed
You raise a flower of fire
See them burning crosses
See the flames, higher and higher

The sky
The sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky

And this guy comes up to me
His face red like a rose on a thorn bush
Like all the colours of a royal flush
And he's peeling off those dollar bills
Slapping them down
One hundred, two hundred
And I can see those fighter planes
And I can see those fighter planes
Across the mud huts as the children sleep
Through the alleys of a quiet city street
We take the staircase to the first floor
We turn the key and slowly unlock the door
As a man breathes deep into saxophone
And through the walls we hear the city groan
Outside is America
Outside is America
America
See across the field
See the sky ripped open
See the rain coming through the gaping wound
Pelting the women and children who run into the arms of America

Bono went on to use the lyrical reference to bullets in the sky in U2's big hit, Vertigo.

The line "In the locust wind, comes a rattle and hum" was clearly the inspiration for the title of U2's follow up album to The Joshua Tree, Rattle and Hum.  Check out With or Without You and the classis, "Mothers of the Disappeared".

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