"The Showman (Much More Better)" song lyrics by U2

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

“The Showman (Little More Better)” from U2's Songs of Experience presents a candid and introspective exploration of Bono's identity as a rock star, blending personal reflection with a critique of the performative nature of fame. The track opens with an energetic, upbeat rhythm, inviting listeners into a world where the dichotomy of celebrity and authenticity takes center stage. 

Bono’s lyrics evoke a sense of self-awareness as he grapples with the complexities of his public persona, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist who constantly navigates the tension between performance and reality.

Bono has said of the song, "It's like something from Rubber Soul," he says. "It's about singers. It's not me." 

He lies though and indeed he said to Rolling Stone Magazine

"There's a song called "The Showman" which is a letter to our audience, it's kind of about performers and how you shouldn't trust them too much. It's about me, haha."

U2's The Showman lyrics

At the heart of the song lies a recognition of the emotional highs and lows associated with life in the spotlight. Bono sings about the pressures and expectations that come with fame, reflecting on the notion that being a "showman" requires a delicate balance between personal expression and the demands of an audience. The refrain, “Just a little more better,” encapsulates the pursuit of perfection and the constant striving for improvement that defines the life of a performer. 

Bono's lyrics also touch on the idea of vulnerability that often lies beneath the surface of a charismatic facade. Lines such as “I’m still the same, I’m just a little more better” reveal an underlying sincerity as he reflects on his evolution as an artist and an individual. This duality—balancing the showmanship of rock stardom with the yearning for authenticity—adds depth to the narrative, reminding listeners that behind the glitz and glamor, there exists a person grappling with the same insecurities and doubts as anyone else. 

The Showman (Much More Better) song lyrics by U2


Baby's crying cause it's born to sing
Singers cry about everything
Still in the playground falling off a swing
But you know that I know

Walk through the room like a birthday cake
When I am all lit up, I can't make a mistake
And there's a level of shallow that you just can't fake
But you know that I know

Oh you don't care
But you know I'm there

You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
Just a little more little more
Look so good
That's what's gonna get you
Look so good
Just a little more little more

You know you're chasing the sunlight
That's why I'm stayin' up all night
You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
A little more

It is what it is but it's not what it seems
This screwed up stuff is the stuff of dreams
I got just enough low self esteem
To get me where I want to go

The showman gives you front row to his heart
The showman prays his heartache will chart
Making a spectacle of falling apart
Is just the start of the show

Oh you don't care
But you know I'm there

You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
Just a little more little more
Look so good

That's what's gonna get you
Look so good
Little more, little more

I'll be chasing the sunlight
That's why I'm staying up all night
I lie for a living, I love to let on
But you make it true when you sing along

You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
Just a little more little more
Look so good
That's what's gonna get you
Look so good
Just a little more, little more

You think you look so good
A little more better
Look so good
Just a little more little more
Look so good
That's what's gonna get you
Look so good
Just a little more, little more

-

Musically, “The Showman (Little More Better)” features lively instrumentation, with The Edge's characteristic guitar work contributing to the song's vibrant energy. This upbeat sound contrasts with the introspective lyrics, creating an engaging tension that reflects the song's exploration of fame's dual nature. The infectious rhythm invites listeners to celebrate the art of performance while simultaneously engaging with the deeper themes of identity and self-discovery.

Through this track, U2 offers a nuanced portrayal of fame that acknowledges both its allure and its challenges, inviting listeners to contemplate the complexities of identity in the modern world. In doing so, the song stands as a testament to Bono’s enduring quest for authenticity amid the dazzling but often isolating world of rock and roll.

-

Other songs from SOE:
You're The Best Thing About Me was the first single to be released from the Songs of Experience album.
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What is Bono's 'Dream Out Loud' Lyric all about?

Monday, February 6, 2017

What is Bono's 'Dream Out Loud' Lyric all about?


Keen listeners to U2 might have heard Bono sing the lyric 'dream out loud' on a few U2 songs.

Here's a brief run down on what those songs are.

Lucky fans who attended the Love Town Tour in the late 80's might have head Bono first ad lib the line into the live set.

A couple of years later after U2 dreamt it all up again, Achtung Baby's Acrobat featured the lyrics:

"And you can dream
So dream out loud
And don't let the bastards grind you down"

In this case dreaming out loud would appear to be the exercise of getting on with getting your dreams and schemes accomplished.

The coda in the title track of "Zooropa" repeated "dream out loud" as a kind of mantra, which Bono supposedly included as a direct reference to "Acrobat". Given the Zooropa album is often considered a cousin or companion album to Achtung Baby, it's a nice little link that Bono made.

In the Pop era 'dream out loud' was spoken by Bono in the PopMart: Live from Mexico City video.

Finally, dream out load was was also used in the b-side to Beautiful Day in the song "Always'

"Get down off your holy cloud,
always God will not deal with the proud, always
Well if you dream then dream out loud, always
Eternally yours, always"

I think that's it - any other references in his lyrics that Bono has made?
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How many Grammy Awards have U2 won?

Sunday, February 5, 2017
list of U2's Grammy Ward winning songs

What number of Grammy Awards has U2 won?


When you're a band that makes music as good as U2, the rewards and accolades soon start to come your way. So much so, that the moment you hit big, you also hit big with Grammy Awards.

The most coveted of all music prizes, the Grammy Awards are the true measure of success. If they give one to Michael Jackson, you should want one too.

And funnily enough, U2 have won more Grammy's than Wacko Jacko who took 13.

How many? In total, it's 22.

Here's a list of all the Grammy Awards U2 have won, most recent to first.  


2005 - 48TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Album Of The Year
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

Best Rock Song
City Of Blinding Lights

Best Rock Album
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

Song Of The Year
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

2004 - 47TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Vertigo

Best Rock Song
Vertigo

 Best Short Form Music Video
Vertigo

2001 - 44TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Record Of The Year
Walk On

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Elevation

Best Rock Album
All That You Can't Leave Behind

2000 - 43RD ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Record Of The Year
Beautiful Day

Song Of The Year
Beautiful Day

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Beautiful Day

1994 - 37TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Music Video, Long Form
Zoo TV - Live From Sydney

1993 - 36TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Alternative Music Album
Zooropa

1992 - 35TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Achtung Baby

1988 - 31ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Desire

Best Performance Music Video
Where The Streets Have No Name

1987 - 30TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Album Of The Year
The Joshua Tree

U2 have also won a Golden Globe Award for their song, 'The Hands that built America' which was used on the soundtrack to Martin Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York film.

U2 have been nominated for two Oscars for Best Original song being The Hands That Built America and also for 'Ordinary Love'. The latter song was inspired by Nelson Mandela and was included on the Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. movie. Neither song won the gong!
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How many number one albums has U2 had?

Friday, February 3, 2017


List of U2's number one studio albums 


When you look back at U2's career thus far you can really get an appreciation for all their albums. Starting out as unknown band from Ireland, album by album U2 grew in popularity in the UK and after relentless touring in America U2 made it big with the number one album, The Joshua Tree.

They then have a clear 'middle period' where they went a bit experimental and then returning to their more classic roots beginning with All That You Can't Leave Behind which fostered several hit singles.

List of U2 number one studio albums

So how many number one albums have U2 had?


There are several ways of cutting this as their are so many countries that U2 had number ones in (does a NZ #1 count if you're an American?) so lets do it first by the United Kingdom and then America.

List of U2 number one studio albums from the United Kingdom

So U2 have had 10 number one studio albums on the UK charts. That's not the most though. The Beatles, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie and the Rolling Stones have done as good or better.

Incredibly, Achtung Baby only hit number 2 on the charts. Songs of Innocence made it to number 6 - a very strong showing because U2 released it for free to I-tunes as part of a distribution deal with Apple.

The Joshua Tree has been U2's best selling album, moving approximately 2.8 million copies, making it the 36th most popular selling album of all time. The most popular? Queen's Greatest Hits.

If you were wondering about singles hitting the Top of the Pops, U2 have had 7 UK number ones.
  So, crossing the Atlantic, lets look at how U2's albums have fared in the American Billboard charts.

How many America number one albums has U2 had?


Here's the list of albums that cracked the top of Billboard:
In total U2 have had 9 American number one albums. U2 have a long way to go if they want to catch the Beatles who have had a staggering 19 number one albums! 

If you are wondering about Original Soundtracks Vol 1, don't fret. It's not an official U2 album at all and it's more properly considered a side project with Brian Eno and a supporting list of singers such as Pavarotti. 

It didn't trouble the world wide charts too much either - the highest charting point was number 9 in New Zealand! It made it to 12 in the UK and 76 on the US Billboard charts. 
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'I've got you under my skin' lyrics by Bono and Frank Sinatra

Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Under My Skin lyrics by Bono and Frank Sinatra

'I've got you under my skin' lyrics by Bono and Frank Sinatra

A song with a pedigree of talent. Written by the great song writer Cole Porter and when first sung by Virginia Bruce it became an Oscar nominated song in 1936. 

Frank Sinatra made it his own in 1946. A re-recording in 1966 prove extremely popular an it became a standard to cover.

And then enters Bono.
i've got you under my skin lyrics Bono and U2
Buy the single from Amazon

Bono and the Chairman of the Board recorded it was a duet in 1993 and released it as a double A-Side with the U2 single, Stay (Faraway, So Close) from the Grammy Award winning Zooropa album.

Bono made a variant to the lyrics when he sang 'don't you know old blue eyes' - a reference to Sinatra himself.


U2's I've got you under my skin song lyrics:


I have got you under my skin
I've got you deep in the heart of me
So deep in my heart you're really a part of me
I've got you under my skin

I have tried so not to give in
I have said to myself this affair, never gonna go so well
But why should I try to resist when baby, I know so well
That I've got you under my skin

I would sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of holding you near
In spite of a warning voice comes in the night
And repeats, and it shout's in my ear

Bono

"Don't you know blue eyes, you never can win
Use your mentality, wake up to reality"
But each time I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
Because I've got you under my skin

I'd sacrifice everything come what might
For the sake of having you near
Inspite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, and it shout's in my ear

"Don't you know you fool, you never can win
Use your mentality, wake up to reality"
But each time that I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
'Cause I've got you under my skin
And I love you under my skin

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The Real Meaning of 5 U2 Song Lyrics

Monday, January 16, 2017
meaning of U2's 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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'Instrument Flying' song lyrics by U2

'Instrument Flying' song lyrics by U2 from the Songs of Experience album

"Instrument Flying" is an unreleased U2 track developed during the recording sessions for their 2017 album, Songs of Experience. First mentioned in April 2015 during an interview with The New York Times, Bono referenced the track and sang along to its in-progress version. Later that year, Q Magazine described the song as having a "sleek, motorik quality," indicative of U2’s experimentation with rhythm and texture during that period. While the song garnered interest, its development status and ultimate fate remained uncertain.

During U2's U2ieTour, which ran from 2015 to 2018, the band used "Instrument Flying" in a unique way. The track, still unfinished, was featured as part of the pre-show atmosphere, playing in venues before the concerts began. This pre-show soundscape included ambient music and visual elements that immersed audiences in U2's creative world, building anticipation before the band appeared onstage. By using "Instrument Flying" in this way, U2 gave fans an indirect taste of the song, blending it seamlessly into the live concert experience.

The decision to include the track in the pre-show environment reflected U2’s approach to bridging their studio work with live performances. While most bands focus solely on released material for their live shows, U2 has often embraced works-in-progress as part of their artistic expression. This inclusion provided a glimpse into the band’s evolving creative process, even if the full song itself was never formally shared with the public.

Ultimately, "Instrument Flying" did not make the final cut for Songs of Experience. While several tracks from the album’s sessions were selected to complement its themes of reflection, resilience, and global awareness, "Instrument Flying" remained behind the scenes. The reasons for its exclusion have not been disclosed, but its live presence as pre-show music suggests it served a different purpose: setting a mood rather than delivering a finalized statement.

Despite its status as an unreleased track, "Instrument Flying" retains a unique place in U2’s history. Its use during live shows highlights the band’s innovative way of engaging audiences, even with incomplete or experimental material. For fans, its existence continues to symbolize U2’s creative depth, sparking curiosity about whether it might one day resurface in a future release. Until then, it remains an intriguing piece of U2 lore, a hidden thread in the band’s extensive tapestry.

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'Civilization' song lyrics by U2 from the Songs of Experience album


'Civilization' song lyrics by U2 from the Songs of Experience album

'Civilization' song lyrics by U2 from the Songs of Experience album

This is a rumoured title for a new U2 track. Well it's not so much of a rumour, it exists as recorded song. This was confirmed by The Edge and Adam in a recent magazine article. 

What is not confirmed is if 'Civilisation' will make the final cut and appear on U2's next album, Songs of Experience.
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'The Joshua Tree' album lyrics by U2

Wednesday, January 11, 2017
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. 

joshua tree song lyrics u2

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 


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 the joshua tree song lyrics

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

Friday, November 11, 2016
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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