'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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'War' album lyrics by U2

War.

What is it good for?

War is characterized by its explicit political and social commentary, reflecting the band's growing maturity and engagement with the turbulent world around them. The thematic content of "War" is a powerful exploration of conflict, both external and internal, and the human experiences intertwined with these struggles.

In contemplation of the album, Bono said in U2 by U2: 

"So when we were preparing for the War album, we started thinking what it was to be Irish. We had to examine some of those questions. Do you really believe in non-violence? At what point would you defend yourself? They're not simple issues to resolve."

One of the most prominent themes in "War" is the critique of political conflict and violence. The album's opening track, "Sunday Bloody Sunday," is perhaps the most explicit in this regard. The song references the "Bloody Sunday" incident of 1972 in Northern Ireland, where British soldiers shot unarmed civil rights protesters. Here, Bono's lyrics convey a sense of outrage and despair at the senselessness of such violence, yet the song is also a call for peace, not a rebel song, as Bono often clarified in live performances.

Another significant theme is the loss of innocence in the face of war and conflict. This is particularly evident in songs like "New Year's Day," which, while inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement, also speaks to broader issues of division and the longing for unity. The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment with the promises of change and the persistent reality of division and strife.

The psychological impacts of war and violence are explored in tracks like "Seconds," was focussed on Bono's concerns about nuclear arms and features The Edge singing the first two verses. The song reflects the anxiety of the Cold War era, capturing the paranoia and existential dread of living under the constant threat of nuclear annihilation.

War album Cover

In contrast to the outward-looking political songs, "War" also includes more personal and introspective tracks. "Drowning Man," for instance, offers a respite from the album's political fervor. This song leans towards themes of love and support as a means of salvation, suggesting that in the midst of turmoil, personal connections can provide a sanctuary.

The album's closing track, "40," shifts the focus inward, with lyrics adapted from Psalm 40 of the Bible. This song reflects themes of faith, hope, and redemption, providing a contemplative end to an otherwise intense album. It serves as a reminder that amidst the chaos and conflict of the world, there remains a space for spiritual reflection and inner peace.

"War" is became a seminal album in U2's discography, representing a pivotal moment where the band firmly established their voice on political and social issues. 

War album Lyrics written by Bono:

1. Sunday Bloody Sunday

2. Seconds

3. New Year's Day

4. Like A Song

5. Drowning Man

6. The Refugee

7. Two Hearts Beat As One

8. Red Light

9. Surrender

10. "40"

A leftover from the War recording sessions was the song, Angels Too Tied To The Ground

War was produced by Steve Lillywhite and was U2's first number one album in the UK, knocking off Michael Jackson's Thriller of the chart's top spot.

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U2 songs with 'angels' in the lyrics

What U2 songs feature 'angels' in the lyrics?

Bono's lyrical use of angelic imagery in U2's discography is a compelling aspect of his songwriting, reflecting a deep fascination with spiritual and metaphysical themes. Angels in Bono's lyrics often symbolize a range of concepts such as guidance, protection, inspiration, and a higher calling. This motif aligns with his exploration of existential questions, the human search for meaning, and the complex interplay between doubt and faith. The invocation of angels allows Bono to delve into these themes with a poetic richness, offering listeners a window into his contemplative side.

His use of angelic references is not merely ornamental; it serves as a nuanced tool for expressing both personal and universal struggles. Angels in Bono's lyrics often embody the struggle between the earthly and the divine, the flawed human condition, and the aspiration towards something transcendent. This duality between the tangible world and an ethereal realm forms a recurring thread in U2's music, inviting listeners to engage with their own interpretations of spirituality and morality. 

Angel of Harlem

We should start with an obvious one, Angel of Harlem. Featuring a wicked guitar rhythm, the song is U2's homage to the jazz legend that was Billie Holiday.

She is the Lady Day the song refers to and her spirit is considered to be the Angel of Harlem.

If God will send his angels

Probably the most obvious song for the point of this essay.

One of the few truly good U2 songs from the Pop album, the song was made popular by being on the soundtrack to the City of Angels film that starred Nic Cage and Meg Ryan.

This film was a remake of sorts of a Wim Wenders film - which U2 trainspotters may note that Wim is a great fan and friend of U2 and several of their songs have graced the soundtrack to his movies. 

Stay (Faraway, So Close!

Speaking of Wim Wenders, Stay was used in the Wenders film Faraway, So Close!

Originally intended to be a song for Frank Sinatra, Stay features one of the best lyrics Bono has ever written which us sued to some up the story being told in the song "Just the bang and the clatter as an angel runs to ground".

Wim Wenders also directed U2's promotional video for the song.

Wim used ideas from his movies to tell the story of U2's members acting as guardian angels over the band who were actually performing the song in the video.

Bullet the Blue Sky

The classic track from The Joshua Tree album, it is a discussion of dirty American politics at play.

Featuring the line "Jacob wrestles the angel but the angel was overcome" this is a reference to Genesis from the Christian Bible. At that time Jacob was said to have actually met an angel of God.

The lyric seems to be suggesting that the conflicts Bono is sing about, such as war in El Salavador are beat out God.

It's almost the classic, if God exists, why is there evil in the world argument.

Angels too tied to the ground

"Angels Too Tied to the Ground" is a demo track that U2 recorded during the sessions for their acclaimed 1983 album, War. Although it was not included on the original album, the song reflects the band's thematic focus on the intertwining of personal struggles and broader political issues, a hallmark of their work during this period. The song featured an unreleased track from the War sessions on the release of the album in 2008. 

There are some other songs too - Deep in the Heart, Trip through your wires and Oh, Berlin which was found in the vaults an released as part of the Achtung Baby re-issue.

Finally, while the word angel does not appear in Lucifer's Hands  Lucifer himself is said to be a fallen angel. The song is found on the deluxe version of Songs of Innocence.

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U2 songs that name check real people

U2 as lego blocks!

U2 songs that reference real people

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

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

Angel of Harlem

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

One Tree Hill

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

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

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

Elvis Ate America

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

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

God Part II

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

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

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

Pride

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

Stand Up Comedy

References the famous French soldier Napoleon and his wife Josephine.

Peace on Earth

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

Dirty Day

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

Who have I missed?

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

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U2 song lyrics that reference Elvis

In U2’s evocative meditations on American music, Elvis Presley emerges as a towering figure—equal parts rebel and relic—whose influence looms large in tracks like “Elvis Ate America” from the Passengers project. 

Bono’s lyrics unravel the myth and mania surrounding Elvis, casting him as an emblem of American culture’s obsession with fame, consumption, and self-destruction. 

Lines like “Elvis Ate America” capture a biting critique of America’s need to idolize, commodify, and ultimately consume its icons, with Elvis at the heart of this paradox.

Bono’s reflections reveal a profound empathy for Elvis, seeing him as both a revolutionary and a tragic figure—an artist whose charisma and groundbreaking sound reshaped popular music yet left him captive to his own myth. 

Bono frames Elvis’s life as a cautionary tale about the corrosive nature of fame, where the pursuit of the American dream becomes inseparable from self-destruction. Elvis’s journey, as Bono sees it, illustrates the price of cultural iconography: the way public adoration can elevate an artist to mythic status while also consuming the very humanity that made them remarkable.

Elvis Ate America

“Elvis Ate America,” a standout track from U2’s Passengers project, embodies a playful yet incisive homage to the interplay between two monumental figures in American music: Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The song unfolds almost as a stream-of-consciousness rant from Bono, capturing the chaotic spirit of rock 'n' roll while exploring themes of identity and influence. One of the most striking lines, “Elvis would have been a sissy without Johnny Cash,” succinctly encapsulates Bono's assertion that Cash's rugged authenticity and profound connection to country music provided a counterbalance to Elvis’s flamboyant persona. 

This lyric underscores the importance of Cash’s influence, suggesting that without the grounded, raw power of Cash’s artistry, Elvis's iconic status might not have had the same depth. By framing the discussion within this dynamic, Bono highlights how the evolution of American music is shaped by the interplay of various artists and genres, each contributing to the cultural narrative in unique ways. 

A Room at the Heart Break Hotel

Whilst not specifically about Elvis, the song is a direct reference to Heartbreak Hotel - a song which Elvis famously sang about.

Fans of the Rattle and Hum album might be interested to know that U2 recorded song tracks for for the album at Sun Studios in Memphis, where Elvis famously recorded. Room at the Heartbreak Hotel was a b-side to Angel of Harlem  single from Rattle and Hum.

Elvis Presley and America

Apparently this was a letter of sorts from Bono to Lisa Marie, Elvis's daughter.

Bono's connection to Elvis Presley and America is poignantly encapsulated in a heartfelt letter he penned to Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's daughter, in the Propagana fanzine. In this letter, Bono expresses his admiration for Elvis as an iconic figure who shaped not only the landscape of American music but also the cultural identity of the nation. 

He reflects on the profound impact Elvis had on the world, highlighting how the King's unique blend of rock, rhythm, and soul resonated deeply with audiences and transcended racial and social boundaries. 

Bono emphasizes Elvis's role as a symbol of hope and rebellion, embodying the spirit of a generation that sought freedom and self-expression during a time of social upheaval. This letter serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley and his indelible mark on American culture, illustrating how his music continues to inspire artists and fans alike, even decades after his passing.

+ Two Elvis Covers

Unchained Melody" may simply be a famous Elvis cover song, but its iconic status cannot be denied!

Likewise, "Can't Help Falling in Love" stands as another beloved cover that showcases Elvis's ability to imbue classic songs with his unique emotional depth and charisma. Both tracks are enduring tributes to his talent, highlighting the timeless quality of his interpretations and their lasting impact on the music landscape.

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"North and South of the River'' lyrics by U2 - B-Side

This song was a b-side on U2's Starring at the Sun single which was from the Pop album.
North and South of the River” is a reflective and politically charged song that delves into the complexities of the Northern Ireland conflict during the 1990s. Co-written by Bono, The Edge, and Irish singer-songwriter Christy Moore, the lyrics explore themes of division, reconciliation, and the yearning for peace.

The song’s title symbolizes the physical and ideological divide between Protestant unionists and Catholic nationalists in Belfast, separated by the River Lagan. Lines such as “I see your face, I look in your eyes” suggest a shared humanity amidst the entrenched divisions, emphasizing the potential for understanding and unity despite years of mistrust and violence. This empathetic approach is central to the song’s message, reflecting Bono’s commitment to using art as a bridge in politically fractured landscapes.

The lyrics also carry a deeply personal undercurrent, focusing on the emotional toll of conflict on individuals and relationships. “There was a time, we were the same” recalls a nostalgic yearning for a pre-divided state, whether literal or metaphorical, while “I'm not afraid to talk” conveys a sense of courage and openness necessary for peacebuilding. 

North and South of the River lyrics by U2

I wanna reach out over the lough
And feel your hand across the water
Walk with you along an unapproved road
Not looking over my shoulder
I wanna see and I wanna hear
To understand your fears
But we're north and south of the river

I've been doing it wrong all of my life
This holy town has turned me over
A young man running from what he didn't understand
As the wind from the lough just blew colder and colder
There was a badness that had its way
Love wasn't lost
It just got mislaid
North and south of the river
North and south of the river

Can we stop playing these old tattoos
Darling, I don't have the answer
I wanna meet you where you are
I don't need you to surrender
There is no feeling so alone
As when the one you're hurting is your own
North and south of the river
North and south of the river

Some high ground is not worth taking
Some connections are not worth making
There's an old church bell no longer ringing
And some old songs are not worth bringing

North and south of the river
North and south of the river

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What references has Bono made to 'wind' in U2 songs?

What references has Bono made to 'wind' in U2 songs?

The critics of U2 and Bono would have fun with mentioning Bono talking about wind as the man does talk about a lot of many things - but here's a serious collection of references that U2 have made to wind in their songs.

When you think about it, the wind is commonly used in songs - think of the Scorpion's Winds of Change as obvious example.

The use of wind is typically used to describe a change that is happening to someone or somewhere.

Here's occasions that U2 have referred to making wind in their songs, if you don't take yourself too seriously.

Kite

A fan favourite from All That You Can't Leave Behind, The initial draft of the lyrics were written with Bono's daughters Eve and Jordan in mind.

The Edge assisted Bono in writing the lyrics and has suggested that they were actually about Bono's emotionally-reserved father, Bob Hewson, who was dying of cancer at the time the song was written.

When Bob did die, the lyric 'last of the rock stars' was changed to 'last of the opera star's when sung live, reflecting Bob's past opera career. Ultimately, Kite is a song of hope.

Bullet the Blue Sky

"In the howling wind comes a stinging rain, see it driving nails into souls on the tree of pain" And so opens Bullet the Blue Sky from The Joshua Tree.

This line is poetic pain and sets the tone of the whole song.

A stinging attack on America's position in foreign politics and especially those of El Salvador in America's quest to stop communism at all costs.

Exit

Taken from The Joshua Tree, Exit tells the bleak tale of what I often think of as a desperate cowboy but in reality Bono's inspiration source was inspired by Norman Mailer's novel The Executioner's Song, the subject of which was serial killer Gary Gilm.

 Lyrically, it's a pairing to Bullet the Blue Sky as it refers to a howling wind.

Indian Summer Sky

A cut from The Unforgettable Fire album, Indian Summer sky is considered to be a social commentary on the prison-like atmosphere of city living in a world of natural forces.

An actual Indian Summer is is a period of unseasonably warm, dry weather - to which the wind that Bono ask's to blow through so as to give some relief.

Ordinary Love

A sweet lyric about how the wind can lift us up:

"Birds fly high in the summer sky and rest on the breeze.
The same wind will take care of you and I.
We'll build our house in the trees."

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Where The Shadows Fall lyrics by U2

Where The Shadows Fall song lyrics by U2

This is the name of a song that U2 have dropped in early 2016. It could be a new track from the Songs of Experience album. It may have been given a new name as is common for U2 to do. It may have not even made it to the final track listing of the album.

U2's 'Where The Shadows Fall' lyrics

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Streets Of Surrender lyrics by Bono

Streets Of Surrender poem lyrics by Bono

Bono has written some lyrics for a song he was developing for singer Zucchero.

When asked by a reporter asks if the terrorist attacks in Paris (2015) will inspire a new album or song, and Bono recited these lyrics to what is called Streets of Surrender.

It's quite likely that this will not be an official U2 song, however as Bono recited these lyrics in front of a reporter for a TV segment, they can be considered a public performance, and note worthy as a lyric or poem by Bono.

Streets of Surrender lyrics

Every man has two cities he needs to be
The one he can touch
And the one he can't see
The one where a stranger's a friend
Every man has got one city of liberty
For me it's Paris, I love it
Every time I get lost down these ancient streets I find myself again

You're free, baby, baby
Free now and forever
It's Christmas time
You can decide to forget or to remember
You're free, baby, baby
I didn't come down here to fight you
I came down these streets of love and pride to surrender
The streets of surrender

I heard a far fetched story
That nobody seems to know
I think it was about that stranger
It was youth, it was love and it was danger
It was winter with that warm it gets before the snow
It chilled my soul
Everybody's crying about some kid
That they found lying on a beach
Born in a manger

You're free, baby, baby
Free now and forever
It's Christmas time
You can decide to forget or to remember
You're free, baby, baby
I didn't come down here to fight ya
I came down these streets of love and pride to surrender
The streets of surrender

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Civilization lyrics by U2

Civilization lyrics by U2

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