U2 - The Unforgettable Fire album lyrics

Sunday, August 28, 2011
"The Unforgettable Fire," U2's fourth studio album, released in 1984, marks a significant shift in the band's musical and lyrical direction, showcasing a transition from the post-punk fervor of their early work to a more atmospheric and experimental sound.
 
'The Unforgettable Fire' album lyrics by U2

With a more ambient or abstract sound than War, this album produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, is notable for its ambient, texture-rich arrangements, which create a backdrop for some of U2's most evocative and introspective lyrics. 

This album diverges from the overtly political messaging of their earlier work in War and Boy, moving towards a more nuanced exploration of personal and historical themes. The title track, "The Unforgettable Fire," draws inspiration from the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, symbolizing the duality of human capability for both creation and destruction. This theme of duality extends to other tracks, such as "Pride (In the Name of Love)," which serves as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and the broader struggle for civil rights, blending personal heroism with collective historical memory.

The album frequently delves into the realm of the spiritual and the mystical, evident in songs like "A Sort of Homecoming" and "Bad," which convey a sense of longing, spiritual yearning, and the complex journey towards self-discovery and redemption. Moreover, "The Unforgettable Fire" explores the theme of romantic and existential angst, particularly in tracks like "Promenade" and "4th of July," where the lyrical ambiguity invites a multitude of interpretations.

The atmospheric production by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois plays a crucial role in shaping the album's ethereal and emotive quality, making "The Unforgettable Fire" a transformative work in U2's discography that balances introspection with broader, universal themes, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level.

'The Unforgettable Fire' album lyrics by U2

1. "A Sort of Homecoming"
2. "Pride (In the Name of Love)"
3. "Wire"
4. "The Unforgettable Fire"
5. "Promenade"
6. "4th of July" 
7. "Bad"
8. "Indian Summer Sky"
9. "Elvis Presley and America"
10. "MLK"

The album's title track, "The Unforgettable Fire," serves as a centerpiece for this exploration. Inspired by an art exhibit about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the song reflects on the paradox of beauty and destruction, a theme that resonates throughout the album. Other tracks like "Pride (In the Name of Love)," one of U2's most renowned songs, delve into historical and sociopolitical territory, paying homage to Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of non-violent protest in the civil rights movement. 

This blend of the personal with the political is a hallmark of U2's songwriting, and "The Unforgettable Fire" exemplifies their ability to balance introspective lyrics with broader, universal themes.

B-sides + rarities from The Forgettable Fire

U2 'Boy' debut album lyrics (1980)

Saturday, August 27, 2011
U2's debut album "Boy," released in 1980, presents a vivid exploration of adolescence and the transition into adulthood, capturing the essence of youthful hope, confusion, and vulnerability. The album is imbued with themes of innocence and experience, a dichotomy that resonates through its lyrics and sound. 

In tracks like "I Will Follow," there is a palpable sense of loss and devotion, reflecting the emotional turmoil that often accompanies growing up. 

The song is said to be influenced by the death of Bono's mother, adding a layer of personal grief to the universal experience of maturation. 

The theme of searching for identity and purpose is prevalent throughout the album, notably in songs like "Out of Control" and "Twilight," where the lyrics convey a restless desire for meaning and belonging in a complex world. 

Boy


"Boy" also touches on the theme of societal expectations and the pressures faced by young people, as exemplified in "An Cat Dubh" and "Into the Heart," which delve into the darker, more introspective aspects of adolescence. The raw energy and emotional intensity of the album, combined with its exploration of these themes, not only defined U2's early sound but also resonated with a generation grappling with similar issues of identity, growth, and the challenges of coming of age.

Common lyrical themes among the album's songs are the thoughts and frustrations of adolescence which is not surprising as U2 were just a bunch of 20-something Irish lads when Boy came out! U2 would later revisit these themes via albums Songs of Experience + Songs of Innocence.

Boy is probably best known for popular classic tracks "I Will Follow" and The Electric Co.

Boy Lyrics:

1. "I Will Follow"
2. "Twilight"
3. "An Cat Dubh"
4. "Into the Heart"
5. "Out of Control"

Side two

Who was the Boy on the U2 Boy album cover (1980)  ?

The boy featured on the cover of U2's Boy album (1980) is Peter Rowan, the younger brother of Guggi, a close friend of Bono and a member of the Dublin-based art and performance group The Virgin Prunes. Peter Rowan also appeared on the covers of several other U2 releases, including War (1983) and The Best of 1980-1990 compilation album.

The choice to feature a young boy on the cover was significant in aligning with the album's themes of innocence, vulnerability, and the transition from childhood to adolescence. His image became a visual representation of the album's exploration of youthful experiences, self-discovery, and emotional turbulence. 


Check out the lyrics to Street Mission which was recorded at the same sessions as Shadows and Tall Trees but never formally released to vinyl. 

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

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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

'Boy Falls from the Sky' Lyrics U2 - Spiderman

Sunday, October 3, 2010
'Boy Falls from the Sky' Lyrics U2 - Spiderman



This song was debuted by U2 during a show in Columbia. Boy falls from the Sky is from the Turn off the Dark musical that's all about Spiderman. The lyrics seemingly reflect the city in which spidey jumps around, slinging his webs... it's doubtful the song will appear on a proper U2 album. 

'Boy Falls from the Sky' Lyrics U2 - Spiderman

You can change your mind
But you cannot change your heart
It’s a compass and a map
The key to the chart

I’d be myself
If I knew I’d become
You can fly too high
And get too close to the sun

See how the boy falls from the sky

Not every wanderer
Is lost or far from home
I didn’t have to move so far
To find myself alone

Save, you save yourself
If you even get that right
I used to use a single thread
To cross the sky

And now the eye of the needle
Is your heart denied
The boy falls from the sky

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh

The city conducts a symphony
And such soul trash your melody
A single scrap of dignity
In the junkyard of humanity

To hear the voice inside your head
Listen now to no one else
You know exactly what to do
Believe in me
Believe in you

You take a look at my self esteem
And when you do
When you do
Ohhhhhhhhhhh
Believe

'Mercy' Song Lyrics by U2

Friday, September 17, 2010

"Mercy" Lyrics U2


Originally a song left over from the recording sessions from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, Mercy has become the stuff of legends. 

Origins: Recording Sessions for How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004)

"Mercy" was first conceived during the sessions for U2's 2004 album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. At that time, the band was working with multiple producers, including Steve Lillywhite and Chris Thomas, to create a bold rock sound while still maintaining the introspective depth seen in their earlier works.

As the recording process evolved, several songs went through multiple versions and were either radically altered or scrapped altogether. "Mercy" was one such song, initially planned for inclusion in the final tracklist. 

It was ultimately left off the final cut of the album. Bono later described the decision as difficult, saying that while the song had potential, the band wasn't entirely satisfied with its final form. Nonetheless, the song's exclusion from the album was not the end of its story.

The 2004 Demo Leak

In 2004, a demo version of "Mercy" surfaced on the internet, offering fans a rare glimpse into U2's recording process. The song's unfinished form, though rough, was enough to captivate listeners and generate significant buzz among U2 enthusiasts.

The leaked version had a sprawling structure, with lyrics full of personal and spiritual themes. The emotional weight of lines like "I want to be the end of the world for you" and "Love, lift me out of these blues" combined vulnerability with the soaring optimism often found in U2's music. This version became somewhat of a cult favorite among fans, though it remained an unofficial and unpolished recording.

3. Reworking the Song: 2009–2010 Sessions for No Line on the Horizon

As U2 began recording No Line on the Horizon in 2009, they revisited several unfinished ideas from earlier sessions, including "Mercy". During this period, the band was experimenting with more ambient and atmospheric sounds, working with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois to expand their sonic palette.

Although reports suggested that "Mercy" was being reconsidered for the album, it ultimately did not make it onto No Line on the Horizon (released in 2009). However, during the accompanying U2 360° Tour, fans began to speculate that the band had once again revived the song.

4. Live Debut: 2010 U2 360° Tour

After years of remaining an unfinished demo, "Mercy" made its official live debut on September 12, 2010, during a concert in Zurich, Switzerland, as part of U2's 360° Tour. The live rendition was notably different from the 2004 demo, both in structure and arrangement.

The 360° Tour version of "Mercy" featured a more focused and concise form, clocking in at just under five minutes. The live arrangement brought a raw energy to the song, with Edge’s guitar riffs anchoring the emotional intensity of Bono’s vocal delivery. Although lyrically it retained much of its core, there were notable edits and new phrasing compared to the 2004 demo.

5. Release in Wide Awake in Europe (2010)

In November 2010, U2 released a limited-edition vinyl EP titled Wide Awake in Europe. One of the key features of this release was a live recording of "Mercy" from the 360° Tour. This marked the song’s first official release, albeit in live form, giving fans an opportunity to own a polished version of the track after years of waiting.

Wide Awake in Europe was limited to only 5,000 copies, making it a sought-after collector's item among U2 fans. 

6. 'How to re-assemble an Atomic Bomb' features a reworked version of the song, it is called The Luckiest Man Alive. 

This live version of Mercy featured a set of revised lyrics from Bono:

Mercy Lyrics

I was drinking some wine
And it turned to blood
What’s the use of religion
If you’re only good

I know I’m weed killer, honey
And you’re sugar
If you’re the prosecution
I get away with murder

You’re gravity searching for the ground
I’m silence searching for a sound

Your heart is aching
Your heart is my home
It’s fascinating
I know I’ll never be alone

You’re gonna kill me and I wanna die
We were meant for each other, you and I
Souls allowed to love
And there’s nowhere else to turn

You’re not sorry, you’re not gonna cry
You put the blue back in my eye
It’s just us
Because, because, because we can
We must

If you’re hunger, baby let me feed it
If your heart is full, baby let me bleed it
And happiness is for those who don’t really need it
You love me too much

You wanna kill me and I wanna die
We’re a perfect match, you and I
Slaves without the drug
And there’s no one else to trust

I’m not sorry, you’re not gonna cry
You put the blue back in my eye
It’s just us
Because, because, because we can
We must

I’m gonna kill me and I wanna die
We were meant for each other, you and I
Souls allowed to trust
And there’s no one left to trust

I’m not sorry, you’re not gonna cry
You put the blue back in my eye
It’s just us
Because, because, because we can
We must
Because, because, because we can
We must
Because, because, because we can
We must

Check out the lyrics to another song U2 have tested out, Flower of Glastonbury.

'Glastonbury' Song Lyrics by U2

Friday, August 6, 2010
The song "Glastonbury" by U2 captures the essence of a profound and personal experience intertwined with themes of hope, longing, and the quest for connection amidst the chaos of life. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, reflecting on the significance of the Glastonbury Festival as not just a musical gathering but as a metaphor for liberation and communal spirit. 

'Glastonbury' Song Lyrics by U2

U2's exploration of the juxtaposition between fleeting moments of joy and the often harsh realities of existence resonates deeply with listeners, drawing them into a shared journey of introspection. The imagery in the song evokes landscapes of both physical and emotional terrains, inviting audiences to reflect on their own life experiences. 

'Glastonbury' Song Lyrics by U2


Take me to the house of rain
You know I’ve never, ever been
I was passion as the devil made
As I was splashing along the way

Hey that`s known as the flowering rose, a flowering rose that said my name
Kings and wine the flowering rose, the flowering rose of Glastonbury

You. Are. A pocketful of sunshine
You. Are. The miracle of kingdom finds

Some things you just can`t control
Sometimes you’re just letting go

Going to the house of rest
Music it will set me right
You took me to the house of green
You knew that I had never been

Hey that`s known as the flowering rose, a flowering rose that said my name
Kings and wine the flowering rose, the flowering rose of Glastonbury

You. Are. A pocketful of sunshine
You. Are. The miracle of kingdom finds

Living like a pilgrim sleeping
Under the flower of the American dream
Set the scene like a thought worth keepin
Livin in a dream jeez you can’t be sleepin

You. Are. A pocketful of sunshine
You. Are. The miracle of kingdom finds
You. Are. Living on a dime
You. Are. A pocketful of sunshine
You. Are. The miracle of kingdom finds
The miracle of kingdom finds
The miracle of kingdom finds
The miracle of kingdom finds

Through its lyrical depth, "Glastonbury" transcends mere celebration; it becomes a poignant reminder of the transformative power of music and shared experiences. The festival setting serves as a backdrop for a deeper commentary on the interconnectedness of human experience, where the strains of melody and rhythm can unite disparate souls, foster a sense of belonging, and ignite a spark of change. U2 masterfully intertwines these themes, creating a rich tapestry that encourages listeners to engage with their memories, dreams, and the often-unreachable ideals that shape our existence. 

Glastonbury debuted at U2's show in Turin along with the first performance of North Star.

'North Star' Song Lyrics by U2

These are the lyrics to the song U2 debuted at the Turin, Italy gig on March 6, 2010. No telling where the song will end up, maybe on Songs of Ascent. In which case the lyrics could be totally different by then.

The song "North Star" by U2 serves as a poignant reflection on guidance, hope, and resilience in times of uncertainty. Through evocative lyrics, the band conveys a sense of searching for direction amid chaos, using the metaphor of a "north star" to symbolize a steadfast source of light and purpose. The song captures the human experience of longing for connection and meaning, particularly during challenging moments when one might feel lost. 

'North Star' Song Lyrics by U2

North Star was apparently written during the How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb sessions and according to @U2, the song is a tribute to Johnny Cash.

North Star Lyrics by U2


 Forty-five light years
From home
From where you are
Where I wanna be
Beside you

Looking for direction
Star to your affection
The space between you and me

I can’t wait any longer
For your love
I can’t wait
I can’t wait
I can’t wait any longer
For it
I can’t wait any longer
For your love

The birds still singing for them
As they fly above the firmament
It’s not a song of discontent
It’s not like that
Up in the sky

Here I am, a space guy
Caught between the love and logic
Out here in the universe
Hey hey

I can’t wait any longer
For your love
I can’t wait
I can’t wait
I can’t wait any longer
For it
I can’t wait any longer
For your love

And a day as it ends
And you watch as the sun goes down
Pray that the night
Will go quickly now
Your hope
Your prayer
And the clouds leave the sky alone
There’s only one light that can guide you
Guide you

I can’t wait any longer
I can’t wait any longer
For your love
I can’t wait any longer
For your love
I can’t wait
I can’t wait
I can’t wait any longer
For your love
For your love

It’s like the silence and shock
Of the lights up there shining
You want it
You got it
You want it

-

U2's exploration of vulnerability and strength resonates deeply, emphasizing the importance of holding onto dreams and ideals as a way to navigate life’s complexities. This interplay of darkness and light within the narrative invites listeners to contemplate their own journeys, ultimately reinforcing the notion that even in the bleakest of times, there remains an enduring hope that can guide us toward a brighter future.

In the Transformers film series, U2's "North Star" features prominently in the 2011 movie Transformers: Dark of the Moon, specifically during a pivotal scene that underscores themes of hope and resilience. The song plays in the background during a sequence that highlights the film's emotional weight and the struggles of the characters as they confront overwhelming challenges. The use of "North Star" enhances the narrative by drawing parallels between the film's themes of finding direction in the face of adversity and the song's exploration of seeking guidance and light during dark times. 

Also debuted during the same night was the song, Glastonbury

Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) Lyrics U2 lyrics

Friday, January 22, 2010


Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) Lyrics U2 / Jay -Z / Rhianna lyrics


Produced by Swizz Beatz and tweaked by The Edge, this high-powered collaboration was created over the phone when the hip-hop beatsmith and Bono came up with the chorus together. Hours later, Jay-Z who helped conceive the effort with Swizz — jumped on the phone and got wind of the melody. 

"I knew that Jay would be able to tell a story," Swizz said of the track. "And that Bono would be able to sing and bring it home." 
Rihanna completes the lyrical trifecta. "The last component that I added was Rihanna, and she's kinda like the singing angel that's on the track, softening it up and giving it that caring feeling, because this hook is so powerful."

Bono, Edge, Rihanna and Jay- Z performed Stranded for the first time at the The Hospital Club in London during the Hope For Haiti Now benefit. 

The song is already available for download on iTunes (US music store link) and 100% of proceeds benefit the cause.



Stranded (Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) Lyrics:
When the sky falls and the Earth quakes
We gon put this back together
We won’t break
Sa Pa Sé, my Port-Au-Princes
my Haitian Gods and all of my Princesses
Our condolences as you fightin’ against this
we’re right by your side as we tryin’ to make sense of this
heavenly father help us see through these problems
and for those thats left accept them into your garden
so here’s my theory, the country’s already starvin’
so we sacrificed many to shed light on all of them
God please pardon, I speak from the heart
its the only way I see this tragedy befall on them
so lets get involved with them, hand to hand with them
arm to arm with them til they get strong again,
When the sky falls…
(Rihanna and Bono)

Can’t wait until tomorrow
Haiti, Mon Amour
Haiti, Mon Amour
Not gonna leave you stranded, alone, alone
oh no


Learn from the past, New Orleans was flooded
So we know we just can’t rely on the government
We under the rubble again, here we go rumbling when
When we gonna catch a break, my friend lost his mother and then
And then, Carline lost her uncles and them
Buried with no caskets, they just put covers on them
And the tears fall, and we fight back
Story ain’t done, it can’t end like that
Nah not like this, tomorrow’s survivors gonna carry on your name
You live on inside us, your memory’s alive with us
You inspired us, to rebuild this country, you just guide us
It’s not the angels that are on their way
its not the bells of
Santa Trinite
the people waiting, position vacant
for hands to help, not just to pray
Haïti va s’élever
Tu vas te relever
Nous nous éléverons
Ensemble ensemble ensemble
(not gonna leave you stranded…)

we gon put this back together we wont break
we gon put this back together we wont break
we gon put this back together we wont break
we gon put this back together we wont break

"Winter" song lyrics by U2 from the Brothers movie

Sunday, December 27, 2009
Winter is a song  left over from the No Line on the Horizon recording sessions.

Winter appears in the war film Brothers at the request of director Jim Sheridan, and it plays over the closing credits.

Bono wrote Winter's lyrics in one night and they were revised just once after that. 

Tobey Maguire's character Captain Sam Cahill was the inspiration for the lyric, with the band noting that the focus on "intense hidden emotion" and the secrets he held inside "was a jumping off point, thematically."

Bono noted that film director Sheridan wanted a "complex song for a complex character" and so the band wrote two songs: "Winter" and "White as Snow". 

While "White as Snow" focuses more on the relationship between the Cahill brothers, "Winter's" lyrics contribute to a "more universal song about the experience of the armed forces in Afghanistan.

Winter movie song lyrics u2

"Winter" song lyrics by U2 from the Brothers movie


The yellow sun
Well it took the hand
Of a country boy
To a city in a far off land

We made no mark
No shadow at all
On the ancient holy streets
Where I learned to crawl

The broken and the bruised
The young and the used
The sure and confused
All here

Words would land on me
Then abandon me
Mangle, untangle me
Leave me on the floor

Rhymes they sprang in me
Summer sang in me
But summer sings in me no more

Now I’m 25
I’m trying to stay alive
In a corner of the world
With no clear enemies to fight

It’s hot as hell
And we’re like butter on toast
But there’s no army in this world
Can fight a ghost

The broken and the bruised
The young and the used
The sure and confused
All here

Words would land on me
Then abandon me
Leave me stranded
In writing on the door

Rhymes began in me
Summer sang in me
But summer sings in me no more

Ooo…

Listening to the cries
The strangers
The silence in the foreign grave

Listening to the thunder
The sky stretched
Stretched over every one

Listening to the tanks
The shy soul
The monster wants to pay

Listening to a chorus
Shining
And searching

At 21
I was born a son
And on that day I knew
I could kill

To protect the ones
We put bullets in guns
Or anything it takes
To take a life until it’s still

Oh…

The production of "Winter" underwent several transformations. Initially recorded during the No Line on the Horizon sessions, the song began as a sprawling, experimental piece, heavily influenced by the atmospheric production style of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois

Eno's ambient textures and Lanois’ deep sonic layering are evident in the song’s expansive soundscapes, which give the track a cinematic quality. However, U2 ultimately decided that "Winter" did not fit the final tracklist of No Line on the Horizon, which leaned more toward a cohesive rock and experimental mix. Instead, a more stripped-down, somber version of the song was developed for the Brothers soundtrack, bringing the lyrics into sharper focus while maintaining the cold, reflective mood. 

This reworked version features The Edge’s haunting guitar work, complemented by minimalist instrumentation that underscores the emotional weight of the song. "Winter" is a powerful example of U2’s ability to craft songs that speak to deeply personal experiences while addressing broader social and existential themes, all set against the backdrop of their signature atmospheric production style.

Check out more U2 song lyrics

"Be There" Lyrics U2

Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"Be There" Lyrics by U2

This song is from The Unforgettable Fire era and was never formally released, even following the 25th anniversary release of the album - the songs that were released were Yoshino Blossom and Disappearing Act

Apparently you can find the song on bootleg recordings.


Of interest is the lyric "All I want is you", which Bono may have poached for the song of the same name off the Rattle and Hum album.


Be There Lyrics:

You don't have to break your heart in two, my love
You don't have to play a part, it's you I love
You don't have to hide from yourself
You don't have to be someone else again
You don't have to rescue me
You don't have to watch me drown
You don't have to give to me
All I want is you

Be there, my love
Be there tonight
Be there, my love
Be there tonight

You don't have to dress yourself up or stay the same
You don't have to smile if I say smile
You don't have to be the best
You don't have to give me rest
All I want is all you have
Nothing else, nothing
Be there, my love

Just be there, my love
If you want the whole of me that's all you'll get
I'll sing this song
I'd give my health, give it all
You don't have to

Ah, she comes on by
She says, I need you, my love
She says, all I want is you

You don't have to play your little game if I fall apart
You don't have to work those strings or do those things
You're enough in my heart
You don't have to hide from yourself
You don't have to be someone else
All I want is all you have
All I want is you

Be there, my love
Be there tonight
Be there, my love
Be there tonight

-

"Be There" by U2 delves into themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and unconditional love. The lyrics emphasize a desire for genuine connection, where the speaker reassures their partner that love does not require masks, perfection, or sacrifice. 

Lines such as "You don’t have to hide from yourself / You don’t have to be someone else again" underscore a call for authenticity, implying that true love should be free from the pressures to conform or change. 

The refrain "Be there, my love" suggests that presence and sincerity hold more value than any superficial effort to impress or maintain appearances. This direct and comforting tone brings to light the song’s message about the importance of simply “being” together, rather than doing or giving excessively.

The lyric "All I want is you" becomes a defining motif, expressing a love that seeks wholeness rather than transactional fulfillment. This sentiment resounds throughout the song, portraying love as a sanctuary where one’s flaws, struggles, and raw self are welcome. The speaker’s repeated reassurance—"You don’t have to play a part, it’s you I love"—further reinforces the idea that genuine connection stems from accepting one another unconditionally. 


By stripping away the need for pretense, "Be There" captures the spirit of intimate love that U2 explores throughout their music, emphasizing presence and vulnerability as the ultimate gifts two people can offer each other.

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