'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.

"Boomerang II" Lyrics U2

Sunday, October 25, 2009


"Boomerang II" Lyrics U2

Boomerang is from the recording sessions of The Unforgettable Fire and was used as the B-side to the big single, Pride. There was also an instrumental called Boomerang I.

Boomerang II lyrics:

Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Under her skin I hear her love him
Under her love at peace within
Under her hands that which I'm needing
Under her eyes I glimpse her love

Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Under her time I think I'm within
Under her lie I hear her love
Under her love I hear nothing
Under her eyes I disappear

Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Under the sky I'm pointing there
Under the power, baby

You say run away
Throw me away
Throw me away

In the drift we've come
In the drift we go
In the drift we've come
In the drift we go

Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Under her skin I feel loving
Under her sign there is no fear
Under her hands, that which I'm holding
Under her eyes I disappear

Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow

In the drift we've come
Soul wind blow
In the drift we go
Soul wind blow
In the drift we've come
Soul wind blow
In the drift we go
Soul wind blow
In the drift we've come
Under her
In the drift we go
Under her
In the drift we've come
Under her
In the drift we go
Under her
Soul wind blow
Soul wind blow
Under her hands
Soul wind
Some day throw me away
Fade it away
Throw it away

In the drift we've come
In the drift we go
In the drift we've come
In the drift we go
In the drift we've come
Soul wind blow
In the drift we go
Soul wind blow
In the drift we've come
Soul wind blow
In the drift we go
Soul wind blow
In the drift we've come
In the drift we go

Check out the song:


'Beat on the Brat' - U2 / Ramones Song Lyrics

U2's decision to cover "Beat on the Brat" by The Ramones is a testament to the deep admiration the Irish rock band holds for the American punk pioneers. It can be found on the We're a Happy Family album which was a collection of Ramones covers featuring efforts by Metallica, Green Day, Rancid and The Offspring.

The Ramones played a pivotal role in shaping the early musical direction of U2, especially in the late 1970s when punk rock was a driving force behind the band's formation. 

we are a happy family ramonesIn their formative years, U2 was heavily influenced by the raw energy and stripped-down sound of punk bands like The Ramones, whose rebellious attitude and minimalist, high-octane performances resonated with U2's desire to break away from traditional rock norms. 

Covering "Beat on the Brat" was U2’s way of honoring The Ramones’ enduring influence on their career, particularly in capturing the sense of urgency, simplicity, and defiance that characterized punk music and laid the groundwork for U2's early sound.

The lyrics are hardly an inspiring story yet "Beat on the Brat" was described by Dee Dee Ramone as a true story. "Joey saw some mother going after a kid with a bat in his lobby and wrote a song about it." So it could be viewed as a comment on difficult mother son relationships or it might just be a cool song.

Beat on the Brat Lyrics by the Ramones

1-2-3-4

Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
With a baseball bat
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh

Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
With a baseball bat
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh

What can you do
What can you do
With a brat like that always on your back
What can you lose

What can you lose
What can you lose
With a brat like that always on your back
What can you do

Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
With a baseball bat
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh

Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
Beat on the brat
With a baseball bat
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh oh

What can you do
What can you do
With a brat like that always on your back
What can you do

What can you lose
What can you lose
With a brat like that always on your back
What can you do
Do

-

The Ramones' impact on U2 goes beyond musical style; it also played a significant role in the band's ethos and philosophy. This influence culminated in the release of "The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)" on U2's 2014 album Songs of Innocence

The track serves as a tribute to The Ramones' lead singer, Joey Ramone, and celebrates the transformative moment when Bono first heard The Ramones as a teenager, describing it as a near-spiritual experience that gave him a sense of belonging. 



List of U2 songs worth a second Listen

Friday, October 16, 2009
What are the best U2 songs to have a second listen to?

What are the best U2 songs to have a second listen to?


U2 is a band well known for its big singles. Songs like Where the Streets Have No Name, Beautiful Day and Desire all popular the world over.

Some U2 songs sometimes get over looked by the casual fan.

Here's a list of U2 songs that I think are worthy of a second listen.

Please, from the album Pop.


Pop is probably Bono’s best effort lyrically across an album. With wordplays on Michael Jackson being history over Jackson’s own HIStory pun, the blind leading the blonde and the line from Please, “Your Catholic blues, Your convent shoes” pretty much summing up Bono’s eternal search for his place and pace in the world - this song was depressing yet uplifting at the same time. Overall, it was a question being asked of Ireland's political leaders.

Dirty Day, Zooropa


“These days, days, days run away like horses over the hill” being sung over and over at the end always remind me that I never have enough time to do what ever it is I wanted do. This song did make me go see a documentary on the guy it was dedicated to, the author Charles Bukowski and read some of his books.

Van Dieman’s Land, from Rattle and Hum


This song has the Edge singing about the life of the John Boyle O'Reilly, who was deported to Australia for writing bad poetry. The song's sentiments reflect the hard life that immigrants faced when they arrived in Van Dieman's Land. It's probably the best vocal the Edge ever did.

Unchained Melody


Clearly not an original U2 song but when you hear Bono sing it, it has the emotion that all their big hits have. Released as a B-side to With Or Without You, it has been a favourite amongst the U2 hardcore for years.

MLK, The Unforgettable Fire album


While the fire is a reference to atomic bombs being dropped in Japan (an early portent of How to dismantle an Atomic Bomb maybe?) the album seemed dedicated to two Kings – Elvis and Martin Luther King. MLK is sung like a lullaby. While Bono’s politic rants and beseeches and besmirches of The Man might put the more jaded and cynical amongst us to sleep, you can’t complain that this song does the same in a nice under the covers on a rainy day kind of way.

Beat on the Brat, cover of The Ramones, from the We’re a Happy Family Ramones Tribute Album.

Beat on the brat with a baseball bat. Yeah punk. U2 started out playing Ramone’s covers trying to pass them off as their own. Which is pretty much the music industry down pat these days. What can you do?

Original of the Species


Coming from their popular How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb album, Original of the Species is almost like a classic father to daughter message, 'Don't Grow Up Too Fast, Baby'.

What are your favourite U2 songs you think are worthy of a second listen?

Unchained Melody song lyrics as sung by U2

Thursday, October 15, 2009
U2 have written a million songs about love, this cover of the Righteous Brothers mega hit is no less one of those songs. It's so blatantly about how a man loves a women that it's just a perfect song for U2 to cover (here's some other covers they've done).

Unchained Melody has been a popular song with the U2 in crowd for years. U2 have played it live many times, and it was released as a b-side to All I Want Is You.

unchained melody album cover righteous brothers 

Unchained Melody was written by two people, the music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. Originally released in 1955 for a movie called Unchained. 

It was sung by one Mr Todd Duncan. It became a massive hit in 1965 for the Righteous Brothers, and they are probably the artist most associated with the song. Hell. I think Elvis did a cover along the way too...

Unchained Melody song lyrics as sung by U2


Oh, oh my love
Oh my darling
I've hunger for your touch
A long and lonely time

And time goes by
So slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine ?

I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me

Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea

Lonely rivers sigh
Wait for me, wait for me
I'll be coming home
Wait for me

Oh, oh my love
Oh my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long and lonely time

And time goes by
So slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine ?

I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
It to me
God speed your love to me

I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love
I need your love

"Angels Too Tied To The Ground" Song Lyrics by U2

Saturday, October 10, 2009
Angels Too Tied to the Ground" delves into the complex interplay between love, loss, and the constraints of human experience. The lyrics evoke imagery of angels, which traditionally symbolize purity and transcendence, yet are depicted as “tied to the ground,” suggesting a poignant contrast between divine aspirations and earthly limitations. 

This duality captures the essence of the human condition, where even the most elevated ideals can be hampered by real-life entanglements, be it in relationships or personal struggles. 

Bono's reflective tone highlights a sense of yearning and the emotional weight of attachments, inviting listeners to consider how our desires for freedom and connection are often at odds​.

"Angels Too Tied To The Ground" Song Lyrics by U2

Furthermore, the song’s mid-tempo, piano-driven arrangement complements its lyrical themes, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the tension between hope and despair. The juxtaposition of a seemingly upbeat musical backdrop with the weighty subject matter underscores U2’s signature ability to blend emotional depth with accessible sound. 

"Angels Too Tied To The Ground" Song Lyrics by U2

What is it that keeps me back from you
What is it when I just can't get through
What is it when we've nothing left to do
But savor the mess that we tried

What is it when the clock just won't rewind
What is it when our love seems to stop time
I'm telling you
Waving a white flag
Baby got a white flag flying for you baby
Got a white flag, a white flag

Angels too tied to the ground
Angels too tied to the ground
Angels too tied to the ground

And now it's only alive in my head
In my mind
All in my head, in my mind

Angels too tied to the ground
Angels too tied to the ground
Angels too tied to the ground

Angels too tied to the ground
Angels too tied to the ground
Angels too tied to the ground

-

"Angels Too Tied to the Ground" was included in the 2008 reissue of U2's iconic album War, as part of a remastered edition that celebrated the album's legacy while introducing previously unreleased material to fans. 

This reissue offered listeners a deeper insight into the band’s creative process during the early 1980s, shedding light on the themes and lyrical content that shaped their musical identity. 
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