The Real Meaning of 5 U2 Song Lyrics

The real meaning of 5 U2 Song Lyrics

A classic rock song, can say anything and mean everything.

Look at Oasis's Wonderwall lyrics for example. It's basically a love song but without really actually meaning or saying anything.

To my mind, a really good song is one which has hidden depths - and those depths can usually be found in the lyrics and often in U2 songs.

Here's 5 U2 song lyrics that have some real meaning, and some real bite to them.

God Part II

People often wonder why this song is called Pt II as they've never heard of a U2 song called God before. It's actually intended as a sequel to John Lennon's song called God.

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

Sunday Bloody Sunday 

This one is a pretty obvious song, but newer U2 fans may not realise the historical context and meaning of this song.

It's an exploration of the conflict that can exist between the State, it's people and when religion gets thrown into the mix.

Inspired by two terrible occasions where soldiers shot civilians in Northen Ireland - the lyrics capture these moments crisply by invoking the cross fire that occurred between Ireland's conflicting religions and the military action that was taken - and by extension the State's role in the massacres.

Walk On

This is one of those songs that stray into the say anything, mean anything territory but U2 have put some real context around it to to ensure that it's lyrics are not misunderstood.

Dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi, this song is a freedom song, dedicated to the exponent of democracy and freedom in Mynamar.

Poignantly during the 360 degree tour, U2 played this song at every concert and had supporters of Amnesty International come out on to the stage to show their support for Aung San Suu Kyi and U2's support for the people of Mynammar and their efforts to become a truly democratic society.

Spanish Eyes

Despite stealing lyrics from "She's a rainbow" by the Rolling Stones, Spanish Eyes is a love song to Bono's wife Ali - and she is actually Irish thus confusing the heck out of many U2 fans.

However, it's often thought that Irish people do have eyes that have a hint of Spanish about them so perhaps that's want Bono's lyrics were trying to convey.

This b-side from The Joshua Tree era kind of complements The Sweetest Thing in the sense that it was also a b-side and also a love letter to Ali.

Zooropa

Zooropa is a really crazy song that opens the album of the same name.

Some fans have been confused by the lyrics of the song - they seem so mumble jumbled and make no sense.

The real meaning of the song can be determined when you realise the lyrics are a hodge podge of slogans from famous brands.

Zooropa's lyrics have a running theme of irony, tying in the "media overload" themes of the Zoo TV Tour into the context of a post-Berlin Wall Europe.

The song's lyrics touch on how modern technology can unite people as well as separates  them from each other.

Want more? Check out U2 lyrics that explore Jesus, Yahweh and The Good Book.

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Aung San Suu Kyi Walks free, we need to walk on further

Having been following the recent news that political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi  had been released, I had thought to myself that U2 would be pleased as they dedicated Walk On to her.  Aung is this era's quivalent of Nelson Mandela, a prisoner for standing up for democracy and promoting it in her own country. 

Given U2's activism and involvement with Amnesty International, it's no surprise U2 have sought to bring publicity to Aung San Suu Kyi's plight. So it was still no surprise I received the following email from the official U2 website:

Dear U2 Fan,

I'm sure, like us, you're delighted with the news of the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma at the weekend. We should all be relieved, if cautious, that she has been able to take a step towards freedom.

However, we must remember that her release is not part of any political process but is designed to get positive publicity for the dictatorship after the blatant rigging of elections on 7th November. We must not forget the thousands of other political prisoners still suffering in Burma’s jails and must do whatever we can to encourage the international community to engage the junta in dialogue.

We will continue our support of this remarkable woman and her campaign, and as always we count on your continued input and continued vigilance.

Thanks

Edge

I have nothing else to add, other than this all turned out to be a shit storm.

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"Walk On" Song Lyrics by U2

U2's "Walk On" is a song of resilience and perseverance, deeply inspired by the life of Aung San Suu Kyi, but its message extends universally. 

It is written in the form of a supporting, uplifting anthem, praising her for her activism and fighting for freedom in Burma. This support from U2 reflects their ongoing commitment to Amnesty International.

In a disappointing turn, Suu Kyi failed as a leader and U2 was forced to declare their disappointment in her failure to support all the people of Myanmar. 

The repeated metaphor of "baggage" in the lyrics suggests that, as we move through life, we must let go of material possessions, superficial concerns, and emotional burdens. The only "baggage" worth carrying is what can't be left behind—core values like love, hope, and integrity. Love, though challenging, is essential, and it’s the one thing that sustains us through darkness and separation. The song encourages the listener to be strong and push forward, even when facing adversity, heartbreak, or doubt, reminding them that their intrinsic worth cannot be taken away or diminished.

The lyrics also emphasize the idea of "home" as a metaphor for inner peace or a state of belonging, which may be elusive or undefined, but is something we all strive for. The line "Home, hard to know what it is if you've never had one" reflects a longing for comfort or a place of emotional safety. 

Yet, the song insists that to reach this place of peace, we must leave behind the trappings of material success and societal expectations. Ultimately, "Walk On" is about endurance, the courage to continue on one's journey even when the path is uncertain, and the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and self in the face of life's challenges.  

"Walk On" Song Lyrics by U2

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring
And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for one second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can't steal it
No, they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom

Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can't sell it or buy it
Walk on, walk on
You stay safe tonight

And I know it aches, how your heart it breaks
You can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Home, hard to know what it is if you've never had one
Home, I can't say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the hurt is

And I know it aches and your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on

Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you feel
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
It's only time
All that you bear
No more than a feeling on my mind
All that you see
All that you wear
All that you sense
All that you scheme
All you dress up
All that you've seen
All you create
And all that you wreck
All that you hate

The place of Walk On after 9/11

Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, U2's "Walk On" resonated profoundly with many Americans, transforming into a powerful anthem of resilience and unity during a time of national crisis. The lyrics echoed the collective sentiment of a nation grappling with grief, fear, and uncertainty, calling for strength and solidarity in the face of adversity. 

U2's performance of the song at the 2002 Grammy Awards, where it won Record of the Year, further amplified this message, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of hope and perseverance in difficult times. The band's ability to connect with audiences emotionally was underscored by their willingness to address the complexities of human suffering while simultaneously inspiring a sense of communal strength. 

Through this renewed meaning, "Walk On" became a clarion call for healing, encouraging individuals to rise above the darkness and stand together as one, reinforcing the idea that love and resilience are essential in overcoming the profound challenges posed by such tragedies.

Check out U2's lyrics to Beautiful Day.

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