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

Having been following the recent news that political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi  had been released, I had thought to myself that U2 would be pleased as they dedicated Walk On to her.  Aung is this era's quivalent of Nelson Mandela, a prisoner for standing up for democracy and promoting it in her own country. 

Given U2's activism and involvement with Amnesty International, it's no surprise U2 have sought to bring publicity to Aung San Suu Kyi's plight. So it was still no surprise I received the following email from the official U2 website:

Dear U2 Fan,

I'm sure, like us, you're delighted with the news of the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma at the weekend. We should all be relieved, if cautious, that she has been able to take a step towards freedom.

However, we must remember that her release is not part of any political process but is designed to get positive publicity for the dictatorship after the blatant rigging of elections on 7th November. We must not forget the thousands of other political prisoners still suffering in Burma’s jails and must do whatever we can to encourage the international community to engage the junta in dialogue.

We will continue our support of this remarkable woman and her campaign, and as always we count on your continued input and continued vigilance.

Thanks

Edge

I have nothing else to add, other than this all turned out to be a shit storm.

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'Boy Falls from the Sky' Lyrics U2 - Spiderman

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

'Boy Falls from the Sky' Lyrics U2 - Spiderman

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

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

See how the boy falls from the sky

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

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

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

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh

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

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

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

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'Mercy' Song Lyrics by U2

"Mercy" Lyrics U2

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

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

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

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

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

The 2004 Demo Leak

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

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

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

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

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

4. Live Debut: 2010 U2 360° Tour

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

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

5. Release in Wide Awake in Europe (2010)

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

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

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

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

Mercy Lyrics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'Glastonbury' Song Lyrics by U2

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. 

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.

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'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 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

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Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) Lyrics U2 lyrics

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

Here the full Set list from the Hope For Haiti Concert


Check out some more pages on the meaning of U2 lyrics U2 lyrics that explore Jesus, Yahweh and The Good Book, U2 B-sides, or U2 songs that name check real people.

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"Winter" song lyrics by U2 from the Brothers movie

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" 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

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"Be There" Lyrics U2

"Be There" Lyrics by U2

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

Apparently you can find the song on bootleg recordings.


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


Be There Lyrics:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-

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

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

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

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

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

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"Boomerang II" Lyrics U2

"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:

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'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. 

In 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. 

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