I'll Believe Her When She Sings lyrics by U2

Friday, September 9, 2011

'I'll Believe Her When She Sings' song lyrics by U2



This is a place holder post based on speculation this is a song name by U2. Mentioned in 2011, the song has never been heard of again. Possibly a song U2 worked on and then abandoned in favour of other tracks.

It could make an appearance on Songs of Experience but we doubt it.

Consider this a foot note in the song creation process.
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'No Line on the Horizon' album song lyrics by U2

No Line on the Horizon was the follow-up to How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, a considerable challenge given the millions of copies sold and the numerous Grammy Awards won by that album. Building on the 'comeback' success of All That You Can't Leave Behind, U2 had once again solidified their status as the world's most popular rock band.

The world was ready for more.

So they put on their sexiest boots and gave us No Line on the Horizon.

The album wells from a cauldron of personal and cultural turbulence, encapsulating both the band’s restless spirit and the zeitgeist of a world grappling with existential uncertainty.

The album was recorded during a period of upheaval, following the global financial crisis and amid Bono’s intense involvement in humanitarian efforts to reduce third world country debt. This context imbued the music with a sense of urgency and introspection, echoing the uncertainties of the times while probing deeper into the themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning.

No Line on the Horizon lyrics by U2

The band’s signature blend of spirituality and skepticism comes to the fore, as they muse on the idea of limitless horizons—both in the physical sense and in the realms of personal growth and self-discovery. This quest for understanding permeates the entire album, as tracks like "Magnificent" and "Moment of Surrender" grapple with the dualities of hope and despair, faith and disillusionment, ultimately seeking a balance between the two.

Central to No Line on the Horizon is the thematic exploration of connectivity and isolation in an increasingly fragmented world. The song "Get On Your Boots" serves as a manifesto of sorts, urging listeners to embrace action and activism in the face of apathy. With its infectious riff and pulsating rhythm, the track contrasts with the more meditative tones of "White As Snow," which reflects on themes of loss and redemption. 

'No Line on the Horizon' album song lyrics by U2


The moments and meanings that inspired No Line on the Horizon's lyrics

The song “No Line on the Horizon” emerged from Larry Mullen Jr.'s experimentation with various drum beats, which long time U2 producer Brian Eno sampled and manipulated, allowing the rest of the band to layer their sound over these rhythms. The lyrical concept conveys a place "where the sea meets the sky," embodying themes of infinity and optimism that Bono emphasized from the beginning. In contrast, “Magnificent” begins with a synthesizer line from Eno and aims for a euphoric feel, drawing on a melody crafted during jam sessions. D

aniel Lanois described its lyrical setting as reminiscent of 1950s New York, channeling a character akin to jazz legend Charlie Parker.

“Moment of Surrender,” recorded in one take, is noted for its gospel influences and aligns with the band’s vision of creating "future hymns." The song features a drug addict experiencing a crisis of faith, paralleling the character in “Unknown Caller,” who battles suicidal thoughts amid cryptic text messages while seeking drugs. The simplicity and immediacy of “Moment of Surrender” underscore its emotional weight, reflecting the band's creative exploration during the Fez sessions.

During the same recording period, “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight,” initially titled "Diorama," evolved through collaborative reworking, incorporating themes inspired by Barack Obama’s campaign. “Get On Your Boots” stems from a driving guitar riff by The Edge and addresses the tension of family vacations amid the realities of war, evoking a rapid tempo that contrasts with the more reflective tracks. 

“White as Snow,” based on the hymn "Veni, veni, Emmanuel," poignantly narrates a dying soldier's last thoughts in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, “Breathe,” intentionally set on June 16 to honor James Joyce's Ulysses, underwent extensive reworking before finding its final form. The band’s lyrical choices in both songs reveal deep introspection, with “Cedars of Lebanon” reflecting a journalist’s perspective on war, its melody evoking the atmospheric sounds reminiscent of U2's earlier work, and its final verse serving as a condemnation of the Iraq War.

We wonder what kind of filter replacement part for a dryer Bono would use if he needed to fix his drier?
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U2's B-Side "Spanish Eyes" lyrics

Saturday, September 3, 2011
U2's "Spanish Eyes" b-side 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. 


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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'All That You Can't Leave Behind' song lyrics by U2

Following the muddled experiment that was Pop (that's not to say it lacked good songs!), U2 returned to their 'classic' sound of bass, drums and guitar for All That You Can't Leave Behind.

This approach to songwriting won many U2 fans back and the album became their most successful in over a decade, selling over 12 million copies and winning a truck load of Grammy awards.

The album represents a meaningful lyrical journey that blends introspection, social commentary, and a return to the more straightforward rock roots that first brought the band into the limelight. 

The album, coming after the more experimental phases of the 1990s, can be seen as a reflection on life’s essentials – the things that truly matter and that we carry with us. The lyrics throughout the album are imbued with a sense of maturity, a contemplation of life’s deeper meanings, and a reconnection with their core values.

'All That You Can't Leave Behind' album song lyrics by U2.

Following the 911 attacks in America, the lyrics of the songs took on new meaning for many American U2 fans which contribute to the album's success.

With its themes of resilience, hope, and human connection, the album resonated deeply during a time of collective grief and shock. Songs like "Beautiful Day" and "Walk On" took on new meaning as they echoed the emotions of a nation grappling with loss, uncertainty, and the need for healing. "

Walk On," in particular, became an anthem for endurance, with its message of moving forward despite heartbreak and devastation. The album’s underlying tone of empathy, strength, and optimism provided comfort to those who sought emotional refuge during the tragedy, making U2’s music not just a soundtrack, but a source of encouragement and unity. 

'All That You Can't Leave Behind' album song lyrics by U2


1. "Beautiful Day"
2. "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of"
3. "Elevation"
4. "Walk On"
5. "Kite"
6. "In a Little While"
7. "Wild Honey"
8. "Peace on Earth"
9. "When I Look at the World"
10. "New York"
11. "Grace"

UK, Australia and Japan bonus track:

12. "The Ground Beneath Her Feet"

B-sides and studio session songs


The album's opening track, "Beautiful Day," sets the tone with its optimistic outlook. The lyrics encourage finding beauty and hope in the midst of chaos and adversity, reflecting a theme of resilience and the ability to see the silver lining in every situation. This song, like much of the album, is a reminder of the power of perspective and the importance of appreciating life's simple pleasures.

In contrast, "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," inspired by the suicide of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, deals with themes of regret and the pain of loss. 

The song acts as a hypothetical argument with a friend who's in a dark place, urging them to realize that their current struggles are not the defining moment of their life. 

"Kite," another notable track, is laden with metaphors about change, loss, and letting go. It is often interpreted as Bono's reflection on his own mortality and the eventual need to let go of his children as they grow up. This song, like others on the album, balances personal introspection with universal themes, resonating with listeners at different stages of life.

"Walk On," dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi and her struggle for freedom in Myanmar, is an anthem of perseverance and courage in the face of injustice. The lyrics, "You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been/A place that has to be believed to be seen," speak to the journey of faith and the belief in a better future, echoing the album's motif of hope and resilience.

What are the numbers on the cover of all that you can't leave behind?


The numbers on the cover of U2's All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000) are J33-3, displayed on the digital departure board in the backdrop of the album artwork, which was photographed in the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. 

These numbers are a subtle biblical reference to Jeremiah 33:3, a verse from the Old Testament that reads: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." This verse reflects the album's themes of faith, searching, and connection, echoing the spiritual and introspective nature of many of its tracks.
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"The Million Dollar Hotel" film soundtrack Lyrics by U2

Friday, September 2, 2011
The soundtrack for The Million Dollar Hotel is a rich and eclectic album, heavily influenced by the involvement of U2, particularly Bono, who played a significant role both in the film's conception and its music.

Directed by Wim Wenders, the movie centers around a group of misfits in a downtown Los Angeles hotel, and the music mirrors its melancholic and atmospheric tone. Bono co-wrote the story for the film and took an active part in shaping the soundtrack, blending U2's signature sound with experimental and atmospheric elements that match the film's offbeat and noir-esque narrative.

The album is not just a collection of songs but a concept-driven body of work that encapsulates the mood of the movie, balancing ethereal, dark tones with occasional bright, soulful melodies. It reflects the emotional landscape of the characters in the film, making it a vital component of the storytelling.

U2’s involvement goes beyond Bono's behind-the-scenes role. The album features three U2 tracks: "The Ground Beneath Her Feet," "Stateless," and a remix of "The First Time."

"The Ground Beneath Her Feet," co-written by Bono and Salman Rushdie (based on a passage from Rushdie’s novel of the same name), stands out as one of the emotional anchors of the film and soundtrack. This song merges U2’s signature style with an otherworldly feel, making it a poignant moment within the film’s score.

"Stateless" is another key contribution, a haunting, introspective track that blends ambient rock with a dreamlike quality, fitting well within the overall sonic landscape. The remixed version of "The First Time" takes on a more subdued, reflective tone compared to the original version on U2's 1993 Zooropa album, further adding to the contemplative, downbeat mood of the soundtrack.

The Million Dollar Hotel lyrics by U2 and other artists

The soundtrack also brought in an impressive array of other musicians who added their distinctive talents to the album. Daniel Lanois, a longtime U2 collaborator and renowned producer, was heavily involved, contributing to both the production and performance notably his slide guitar. 

Brian Eno, another frequent U2 collaborator, also made contributions, bringing his ambient sensibilities to the soundtrack’s more experimental moments. The involvement of Jon Hassell, a jazz trumpeter known for blending world music with ambient and electronic influences, added to the album's unique fusion of sounds, enriching the sonic palette. 


The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack Lyrics:

1. "The Ground Beneath Her Feet"
2. "Never Let Me Go"
3. "Stateless"
4. "Satellite of Love"
5. "Falling at Your Feet"
6. "Tom Tom's Dream"
7. "The First Time"
8. "Bathtub"
9. "The First Time" (Reprise)
10. "Tom Tom's Room"
11. "Funny Face"
12. "Dancin' Shoes"
13. "Amsterdam Blue (Cortége)"
14. "Satellite of Love" (Reprise) 

The relationship between U2 and director Wim Wenders is one of mutual artistic respect and fruitful collaboration, spanning several decades and multiple projects. Their partnership began in the early 1990s, when U2 contributed the song "Until the End of the World" to Wenders' 1991 film of the same name. 

This marked the start of a creative synergy that would see U2 become a regular feature in Wenders' work. The band’s atmospheric and emotionally charged music fit perfectly with Wenders’ cinematic style, which often explores existential themes and human connections. Their collaboration deepened in Faraway, So Close! (1993), with U2 providing the track "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)"—one of their most poignant ballads. 

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U2's Passengers - 'Original Soundtrack Vol 1' - Lyrics + thematic meaning

U2's Passengers: Original Soundtracks 1 (1995) stands as one of the band’s most enigmatic releases, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, mainstream and avant-garde.

Continuing the groove of U2's grammy award wining Zooropa, and collaborating under the moniker "Passengers" with longtime producer Brian Eno, U2 ventured into experimental territory that marked a stark departure from their rock identity. This album presents itself as a series of soundtracks for films that don’t exist, an abstract conceit that speaks to the band's willingness to challenge their own creative boundaries.

Bono described Passengers as a record “full of possibilities,” a conceptual work meant to evoke cinematic emotions without the visual cues, allowing the music to dictate an internal narrative. Thematically, the album is awash in dreamlike exploration, conjuring a sense of wandering through liminal spaces where time, place, and meaning are deliberately elusive.

Passengers: Original Soundtracks 1 is U2 at their most experimental, a project that strips back their signature rock bravado, delving instead into ambient textures and haunting lyricism with Brian Eno at the helm. The album isn’t about anthems but atmospheres, offering a series of meditative vignettes that feel like soundtracks to imagined films. 
 
U2's Passengers - Original Soundtrack Vol 1 - Lyrics + thematic meaning
Album cover art was from Teodor Rotrekl

One of the standout tracks, “Miss Sarajevo,” features the unmistakable voice of Luciano Pavarotti and anchors the album’s fragmented conceptual framework with a potent commentary on the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s. Inspired by a documentary of the same name, the song juxtaposes beauty with brutality, much like the conflict itself.

Bono’s vocals reflect a yearning for peace, but what truly defines the track is the haunting tenor of Pavarotti, whose operatic interlude elevates the song beyond mere protest, transforming it into a hymn of humanity.

Thematically, “Miss Sarajevo” fits within Passengers’ larger meditation on human fragility, as the song reaches for the profound question of how beauty can survive in the midst of destruction. Here, U2 doesn't provide answers—they reflect, question, and ultimately leave listeners to grapple with the emotional tension between suffering and hope.

U2's Passengers - Original Soundtrack Vol 1 - Lyrics + thematic meaning

 1. "United Colours"
2. "Slug"
3. "Your Blue Room"
4. "Always Forever Now"
5. "A Different Kind of Blue"
6. "Beach Sequence"
7. "Miss Sarajevo"
8. "Ito Okashi"
9. "One Minute Warning"
10. "Corpse (These Chains are Way too Long)"
11. "Elvis Ate America"
12. "Plot 180" Hypnotize
13. "Theme from The Swan"
14. "Theme from Let's Go Native"

Note: songs 1 and 12,13,14 have no lyrics.

Passengers isn’t just political or emotional commentary; it’s an exploration of sound as a vehicle for stories untold. Tracks like “Slug” and “Your Blue Room” eschew the traditional verse-chorus-verse structure in favor of textures and atmospheres that feel cinematic in scope.

“Your Blue Room,” in particular, is a meditation on intimacy and distance, a theme that U2 frequently revisits in their work, but here it’s submerged in ambient soundscapes that feel both infinite and claustrophobic. 

The song’s whispered vocals and minimalist orchestration suggest a space of contemplation, where the ordinary moments of life—its fears, desires, and uncertainties—are rendered with the gravitas of a film score. Passengers is more than an album; it’s an invitation to suspend the ordinary and immerse in a soundscape where imagination fills the gaps left by an absent narrative.
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U2's Zooropa album song lyrics

Wednesday, August 31, 2011
I think Zooropa was the first U2 album I ever bought.

I vaguely recall having heard Numb on what was then called 93 FM and thinking it sounded pretty cool. Then on a trip later to Taupo with my Dad and brothers I saw a poster with all the song titles on it and it looked awesome and dangerous unlike say the Roxette album we listened to on the way to Taupo.

Soon after I bought the album and my musical journey with U2 began.

Anyways you didn't come here for the memories of a teenager, you came for the lyrics of Zooropa, a Grammy award winning album that featured a monotoned The Edge, an amazing vocal track by the late and great Johnny Cash and some fantastic Brian Eno keyboard magic on Lemon.

Zooropa was a quick companion piece of sorts to Achtung Baby. 

Lyrically, Zooropa expanded on many of the Achtung Baby tours' themes of media over-saturation, technology, and of course love.



U2's Zooropa lyrics:


1. "Zooropa"
2. "Babyface"
3. "Numb" (The Edge on lead vocal)
4. "Lemon"
5. "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)"
6. "Daddy's Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car"
7. "Some Days Are Better Than Others"
8. "The First Time"
9. "Dirty Day"
10. "The Wanderer"

Extra for Experts


Hold Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me, Thrill Me was also written during the recording sessions for Zooropa, however it was considered to different from the other songs to warrant a place on the album and somehow it found its way onto the Batman Forever movie soundtrack.

The creative process for "Zooropa" was notably unconventional, as it largely took place during the breaks in the "Zoo TV Tour," which was itself a groundbreaking and highly theatrical production. This tour, with its multimedia extravagance, was a sensory overload, reflecting the band's fascination with the rapidly evolving media landscape and the post-Cold War cultural shifts. Immersed in this high-energy, technologically saturated environment, U2 began to experiment with new sounds and themes, leading to the creation of "Zooropa."

 The album is characterized by its experimental edge, incorporating electronic music elements and a more avant-garde approach compared to their previous work. This period of creativity was marked by a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, as the band took advantage of the touring momentum. They often recorded in makeshift studios set up in various locations along the tour, capturing the kinetic energy and chaotic spirit of the time. 

The result was an album that not only extended the aesthetic of "Achtung Baby" but also pushed the boundaries of U2's sound, reflecting the band's ongoing evolution and willingness to explore new artistic territories.

Themes of Zooropa's lyrics


The album is steeped in themes of technological saturation, media overload, and the existential disquiet of a rapidly changing world. It encapsulates the anxiety and excitement of an age increasingly dominated by television, advertising, and the burgeoning influence of the internet. This is vividly portrayed in tracks like "Zooropa" and "Numb," which lyrically and sonically capture the sensory overload of the media landscape. 

The album also delves into the uncertainties of European identity and unity in the post-Berlin Wall era, a theme poignantly explored in the song "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)," which juxtaposes personal longing with broader geopolitical changes. Moreover, "Zooropa" grapples with existential themes of doubt, disillusionment, and the search for meaning, particularly in songs like "The First Time" and "The Wanderer," featuring Johnny Cash. 

These tracks question traditional values and beliefs in a world increasingly defined by consumerism and superficiality. The album's experimental sound, blending rock with electronic and avant-garde elements, underscores its thematic exploration of disorientation and the search for authenticity in an age of overwhelming information and relentless change, making "Zooropa" a compelling snapshot of its time and a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition in the modern era.
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'Achtung Baby' album song lyrics by U2

Achtung Baby is U2's crowning glory, their masterpiece that no band since 1991 has bettered, it is a modern day classic. Following the perhaps inevitable backlash against U2's Rattle and Hum, U2's sound on the album was unlike anything the band had ever produced before.

U2's previous records such as War and The Joshua Tree made lyrical statements about political and social issues. Bono's lyrics for Achtung Baby a realised a more personal and introspective which examined love, sexuality, spirituality, faith, and even betrayal with Until The End of the World being an obvious example with its story seeming to be about a confessional conversation with Judas Iscariot.

Yes, that one. ..

Throughout "Achtung Baby," U2 not only reinvented their musical style under the watch of Brian Eno and Flood but also delved into deeper, more introspective lyrical themes. The album’s exploration of personal and societal change, the complexity of relationships, and the impact of modern technology, resonates as much today as it did at the time of its release.

Its lyrical quality reflects a band that is not afraid to confront the ambiguities and contradictions of the human experience, making "Achtung Baby" a seminal work in U2's discography.


'Achtung Baby' album song lyrics by U2

B-Sides, Session songs, covers


Allow us to wax lyrical about the album.

The album opens with "Zoo Station," an audacious departure from U2's established sound, introducing listeners to the band's new sonic territory driven by a block rocking drumbeat by Larry. The song's lyrics metaphorically represent a readiness to embark on a new journey, with references to transformation and reinvention. This theme of change is a thread that runs throughout the album, reflecting both personal and societal shifts.

"One," arguably the most famous track on the album, delves into themes of unity, conflict, and reconciliation. Its poetic lyrics have been interpreted in various ways, from a commentary on fractured relationships to a reflection on the band's near breakup. The song's universal appeal lies in its ambiguity, allowing listeners to find their own meaning in its words.

"Mysterious Ways" showcases the band's experimentation with dance rhythms, while its lyrics celebrate feminine mystique and the power of love and transformation. The song's vivid imagery, coupled with its upbeat tempo, creates a juxtaposition that highlights the complexity of relationships.

"The Fly," a song that presents a cacophony of sound and a persona that Bono adopted during live performances, is a commentary on the information overload of the modern world. Its rapid, spoken-word style verses and distorted sounds align with the song's message about the bombardment of media and technology.

"Acrobat," a lesser-known but equally compelling track, delves into the inner turmoil and hypocrisy that can exist within individuals. The song's raw emotional intensity, combined with introspective lyrics, makes it a standout on the album for its exploration of the human psyche.

"Love is Blindness," the closing track, is a haunting ballad that speaks to the pain and surrender of love. Its sparse, yet intense arrangement complements the song's exploration of love's darker, more obsessive aspects.

Check out the infamous Lady with the Spinning Head which was an abandoned song that formed the structural basis for The Fly, which became a conversation from hell about the post modern self.
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'Rattle and Hum' album lyrics by U2

Following on from the mega selling The Joshua Tree was seen as a tough act to follow - U2 were nearly up to the challenge with Rattle and Hum, an album with some killer songs like All I Want Is You and God Part II but as a whole it didn't quite have the same magic as The Joshua Tree.

That said the album produced plenty of hits of U2 and songs from Rattle and Hum still feature in most U2 concert set lists.

The album was intended to be a tribute to some musical legends and took a bluesy turn with Desire featuring a Bo Diddley inspired riff being played on Desire, blues maestro BB King featuring his own guitar work on Love Comes To Town and lyrics evoking memories of jazz legends Billie Holiday and Miles Davis and even John Lennon.

Rattle and Hum album lyrics by U2

The album title, Rattle and Hum, is taken from a lyric from U2's own "Bullet the Blue Sky"

Rattle and Hum album lyrics by U2

         
1. Helter Skelter - Beatles cover

2. Van Diemen's Land

3. Desire

4. Hawkmoon 269

5. All Along The Watchtower - Bob Dylan cover

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

7. Freedom For My People (Sterling Magee and Adam Gussow)

8. Silver And Gold

9. Pride (In The Name Of Love) 

10. Angel Of Harlem

11. Love Rescue Me

12. When Love Comes To Town

13. Heartland 

14. God Part II

15. The Star Spangled Banner

16. Bullet The Blue Sky

17. All I Want Is You

B - sides 


Themes of the Lyrics in Rattle and Hum

Rattle and Hum explores a blend of deeply personal themes and broader social commentary, building on U2's previous work but with a more explicit nod to American music traditions. The lyrics delve into the band’s evolving relationship with America, grappling with its cultural richness while critiquing its political and historical complexities. 

Songs like "Bullet the Blue Sky" focus on U.S. interventionism in Central America, showcasing U2’s stance on political injustice, while tracks like "Hawkmoon 269" and "Heartland" reflect on the spiritual and geographical expanse of the country. The album also dives into personal themes of love and yearning in songs such as "All I Want Is You," where the lyrics speak to desire and emotional vulnerability.

U2's Concept for Rattle and Hum

Conceptually, Rattle and Hum was U2’s attempt to pay tribute to the great musical traditions of America—specifically blues, gospel, and early rock 'n' roll—while fusing these influences with their signature sound. 

The album reflects their immersion into American music history, as evidenced by their collaborations with B.B. King and their homages to Bo Diddley and John Lennon. It’s a blend of homage and reinvention, with the band using this album to explore their own artistic roots, while simultaneously showing reverence for legends who paved the way before them. U2 sought to engage with America not just as a geographical space, but as a source of profound artistic inspiration. This melding of Irish rock with American roots music ultimately aimed to create a hybrid sound that honored the past while pushing their music forward.

And you can dream out loud

After touring the album Bono famously said circa December 30-31, 1989 "I was explaining to people the other night, but I might've got it a bit wrong – this is just the end of something for U2. And that's what we're playing these concerts – and we're throwing a party for ourselves and you. It's no big deal, it's just – we have to go away and ... and dream it all up again…

And they went and bloody come up with 1991's Achtung Baby...
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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

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