'13 (There Is A Light)' song lyrics by U2

“13 (There Is A Light)” from U2’s Songs of Experience serves as a poignant and introspective lullaby, reflecting Bono’s deep love and concern for his children as they navigate the complexities of life. Inspired by the notion of guiding the next generation through uncertain times, the song is imbued with a sense of tenderness and hope.

 

Its piano-driven arrangement creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing the lyrics to resonate with an emotional weight that transcends mere advice. Bono’s heartfelt plea for his children to find their inner strength is both a personal message and a universal call to resilience, making it a deeply relatable piece for anyone facing adversity.

The chorus, which echoes the sentiments expressed in Songs of Innocence’s “Song for Someone,” acts as a bridge between the two albums, highlighting the thematic continuity that U2 explores throughout their discography. This reprise serves not only as a reminder of the innocence of youth but also as a recognition of the inevitable transition into the complexities of adulthood. 

By intertwining these two songs, Bono emphasizes the cyclical nature of experience and the enduring hope that light can prevail even in the darkest moments. 

'13 (There Is A Light)' song lyrics by U2

And if the terrace of the night
Come creeping into your days
And the world comes steeling children from your room
Got your innocence from hallucination
I know that darkness always gathers around the light

If there is a light
We can't always see
And there is a world
We can't always be
If there is a dark
Now we shouldn't doubt
And there is a light
Don't let it go out

When the wind screams and shouts
And the sea is a dragon's tail
And the ship that stole your heart away
Sets sail

When all you've left is leaving
And all you got is grieving
And all you know is needing

If there is a light
We can't always see
And there is a world
We can't always be
If there is a dark
Now we shouldn't doubt
And there is a light
Don't let it go out

'Cause this is a song
A song for someone
Someone like me

I know the world is done
But you don't have to be
I've got a question for the child in you before it leaves
Are you tough enough to be kind?
Do you know your heart has its own mind?
Darkness gathers around the light
Hold on
Hold on

There is a light
We can't always see
If there is a world
We can't always be
If there is a dark
That we shouldn't doubt
And there is a light
Don't let it go out

And this is a song
A song for someone
This is a song
A song for someone
Someone like me
Someone like me
Someone like me

It is not a cover of the Smiths' song, There Is A Light, That Never Goes Out! 

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'Landlady' song lyrics by U2

Landlady is a song on U2's Songs of Experience.

"Landlady," a track from U2's 2017 album "Songs of Experience," offers a unique and deeply personal exploration of themes centering around love, gratitude, and the transformative power of a significant relationship. This song, while less overtly political or socially charged than many of U2's other works, delves into the intimate and profound impact of love and support in one's life.

At its core, "Landlady" is a tribute to a nurturing and sustaining love. The song is widely interpreted as an ode from Bono to his wife, Ali, who has been a constant presence in his life since their teenage years. The title itself, "Landlady," metaphorically represents someone who provides shelter, not just in a physical sense, but emotionally and spiritually. 

This idea is beautifully encapsulated in the lyrics, "Every wave that broke me, Every song that wrote me, Every dawn that woke me, Was to get me home to you, see." Here, the 'landlady' is portrayed as a guiding force, a stable presence that helps navigate the tumultuous journey of life.

'Landlady' song lyrics by U2

Roam, the phone is where I live till I get home
And when the doorbell rings you tell me that I have a key
I ask you how you know it's me
The road, no road without a turn and if there was
The road would be too long
What keeps us standing in this view
Is the view that we can be brand new

Landlady takes me up in the air
I go, I go where I would not dare
Landlady shows me the stars up there
I'm weightless, weightless when she is there
And I'll never know, never know what starving poets meant
Cos' when I was broke, it was you that always paid the rent

Space, her place is where I found my parking space
And when I'm losing ground, you know she gives it back to me
She whispers don't do just be

Landlady takes me up in the air
I go, I go where I would not dare
Landlady shows me the stars up there
I'm weightless, weightless when she is there
And I'll never know, never know what starving poets meant
Cos' when I was broke, it was you that always paid the rent

Every wave that broke me
Every song that wrote me
Every dawn that woke me
Was to get me home to you to see
Every soul that left me
Every heart that kept me
The strangers that protected me
To bring me back to you
Every magic potion
Every false emotion
I was swerving our devotion
To the lies we know are almost true
Every sweet confusion
Every grand illusion
I will win and call it losing
If the prize is not for you

-

The theme of gratitude is prevalent throughout the song. Bono acknowledges the sacrifices and support his 'landlady' has offered over the years. This gratitude is not just for the love received but also for the inspiration and strength derived from this relationship. The lines, "You're the reason why the opera is in me," suggest that the support and love from the 'landlady' have been integral to his artistic expression and personal growth.

There's also an exploration of the theme of redemption and support in the face of challenges. The song reflects on how having a supportive partner can be a grounding force, especially in the context of fame and the chaotic lifestyle that often accompanies it. The 'landlady' is seen as the anchor in the ever-changing and often challenging world that the narrator inhabits.

Moreover, "Landlady" touches on the theme of enduring love. Unlike many love songs that focus on the early stages of romance, this track delves into the depth and complexity of a long-standing relationship. It celebrates a love that has endured the test of time, evolving and growing stronger through shared experiences and challenges.

 
Check out Book of Your Heart's lyrics which was a bonus track from the Songs of Experience album.

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'Book Of Your Heart' song lyrics by U2

"Book of Your Heart," from U2's Songs of Experience (Deluxe Version), captures a deeply reflective and emotional exploration of enduring love and the complexity of long-term relationships. Inspired by the poetic sentiments of W.B. Yeats, 

Bono describes the song as dealing with the "desires a poetry as cold and as passionate as the dawn', and I wanted to write about the cold passion of great relationships.... It's about the knowingness that you need to help get your partner through their life, and vice versa". 

It's a meditation on the deep, often unspoken, bond that forms between people who share a life together, acknowledging both the warmth and the chill of commitment. Bono's lyrics suggest that love isn't just about moments of fiery passion but also about helping one another navigate life's challenges with an intimate understanding. The "book" metaphor represents the personal, hidden chapters of a person's life, with partners becoming co-authors, helping each other write the most important stories of their lives.

U2's 'Book Of Your Heart' lyrics from Songs of Experience (Deluxe Version)

Right at the start
You put this into words
How you think we should proceed, yeah

You wanted me alone
With the pictures that you've seen
Of where you haven't been
But where you want to go

Ask the leaf and ask the bird
Not to sing or speak a word
We are not fictitious characters
But we don't belong to this world

The book, the book of your heart
One tiny mark, an entry
In the book of your heart
It's written on skin
To even be in
The book of your heart

You can change your name, or even who you are
That's the beauty of the scar
That is the contract of the heart
This is our wedding day
This is the promise that we'll stay
Through the long descriptive passages
Where we don't know what to say

This song is only available as part of the deluxe version of the Songs of Experience album. 

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Watch U2's 'You're The Best Thing About Me' video

You're The Best Thing About Me now has an official U2 video!

Featuring the city of New York, the video follows the band checking out the sights of the city, playing pool and downing a few beers, just as you would expect from some Dublin lads.



The imagery of the Statue of Liberty is no coincidence - Bono has said that many of the songs on Songs of Experience are a commentary on the American Presidency of Donald Trump (check out American Soul for example or his live lyric change to Bullet the Blue Sky on the Jimmy Fallon show).

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'Love Is All We Have Left' song lyrics by U2

Love Is All We Have Left," the opening track of U2's Songs of Experience, serves as a reflective anthem that resonates with themes of vulnerability, loss, and the transformative power of love. 

As the band steps into a more introspective phase following their earlier album, Songs of Innocence, Bono’s lyrics encapsulate a deep yearning for connection in a world fraught with chaos. With a delicate blend of melancholy and hope, the song invites listeners to ponder the fragility of existence while emphasizing love's enduring strength as a guiding light amid adversity.

The lyrical structure of "Love Is All We Have Left" operates like a series of meditative reflections, each line unfurling layers of emotional resonance. Bono’s voice, both haunting and soothing, evokes a sense of longing, as he contemplates the various dimensions of love. 

The refrain itself resonates as a mantra, suggesting that in the face of turmoil—whether personal or global—love remains the singular force capable of binding us together. This notion is particularly poignant considering Bono’s personal journey through health challenges; his brush with mortality imbues the song with a palpable urgency. 

In the context of Songs of Experience, "Love Is All We Have Left" functions as a crucial thematic anchor, bridging the innocence of the past with the complexities of the present. It speaks to the vulnerability that comes with genuine connection, highlighting the need to cherish relationships in an ever-changing world. 

Bono's reflections mirror a broader cultural discourse on the necessity of love as a counterbalance to the darkness that often pervades human experience. By framing love as a response to life's challenges, U2 encapsulates a universal truth: that even when faced with uncertainty, love can serve as a beacon of hope and resilience.

 Love Is All We Have Left song lyrics by U2

Nothing to stop this being the best day ever
Nothing to keep us from where we should be
I wanted the world but you knew better
And that all we have is immortality

Don't close your eyes

Love and love is all we have left
A baby cries on a doorstep
Love is all we have left
Love and love is all we have left
You argue because you can't accept
Love is all we have left

Now you're at the other end of the telescope
Seven billion stars in her eyes
So many stars
So many ways of seeing
Hey this is no time not to be alive

Love and love is all we have left
A baby cries on a doorstep
Love is all we have left

Love and love is all we have left
The only thing that can be kept
Love is all we have left

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'The Lights Of Home' song lyrics by U2

“Lights of Home,” a track from U2's Songs of Experience, encapsulates the band's signature blend of lyrical depth and emotive resonance. This song is particularly noteworthy as it serves as a bridge between the personal and the universal, reflecting Bono's journey of introspection and the broader themes of hope and belonging. 

The song is a lyrical meditation on the concept of home—not just as a physical space but as an emotional refuge that embodies love, connection, and safety. This theme resonates deeply within the context of Bono’s life experiences, particularly in light of his recent health challenges, which have shaped his perspective on mortality and the importance of cherishing one’s roots.

The opening lines set the tone for a reflective journey, suggesting a quest for clarity and understanding amidst the complexities of life. 

Bono's lyrics resonate with a sense of yearning, as he grapples with the notion of home and what it truly means to find solace in a chaotic world. 

This is The Edge!

In the context of the broader narrative of Songs of Experience, “Lights of Home” stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. 

The song encapsulates Bono’s reflection on his life, especially following his health scare which required heart surgery, prompting a reevaluation of what truly matters. The idea of writing as if he were dead, as Bono has suggested, permeates the lyrics with a sense of urgency and clarity that resonates with listeners on a profound level. 

The juxtaposition of personal letters with universal themes creates a rich tapestry of emotion, where each line invites contemplation and introspection. Ultimately, “Lights of Home” serves as both a celebration of human connection and a reminder of the light that can guide us through even the darkest times, underscoring U2's enduring message of hope and the importance of belonging in a fragmented world.

'The Lights Of Home' lyrics by U2 from Songs of Experience 

Shouldn't be here 'cause I should be dead
I can see the lights in front of me
I believe my best days are ahead
I can see the lights in front of me

Oh Jesus if I'm still your friend

What the hell

What the hell you got for me

I gotta get out from under my bed

I can see again the lights in front of me

Hey I've been waiting to get home a long time

Hey now, do you know my name

Hey now, where I'm going

If I can't get an answer

In your eyes I see it

The lights of home

The lights of home

I was born from a screaming sound

I can see the lights in front of me

I thought my head was harder than ground

I can see the lights in front of me

One more push and I'll be born again

One more road you can't travel with a friend

Saw a statue of a gold guitar

Bright lights right in front of me

Hey, I've been waiting to get home a long time

Hey now, do you know my name

Hey now, where I'm going

If I can't get an answer

In your eyes I see it

The lights of home

The lights of home

Hey now, do you know my name

Hey now, where I'm going

If I can't get an answer

In your eyes I see it

In your eyes alone

I see the lights of home

Free yourself to be yourself

If only you could you see yourself

If only you could free yourself to be yourself

If only you could see yourself

If only you could free yourself to be yourself

If only you could see yourself

If only you could free yourself to be yourself

If only you could see yourself

If only you could see

-

n U2's Songs of Experience, several tracks resonate with similar themes of hope, belonging, and the search for light in darkness. One notable example is “Get Out of Your Own Way.” This song addresses the struggles of self-acceptance and the obstacles that individuals often place in their own paths. It conveys a powerful message of empowerment, encouraging listeners to break free from internal limitations. The vibrant instrumentation complements the uplifting lyrics, reinforcing the theme of resilience and the idea that overcoming personal barriers can lead to clarity and liberation.

Another track that shares thematic similarities is “Love Is All We Have Left.” Like “Lights of Home,” this song explores the power of love as a guiding force in difficult times. The lyrics reflect a deep yearning for connection, emphasizing that love can provide solace and strength even when everything else seems uncertain. The somber yet hopeful tone of the song captures the essence of finding light in moments of despair, making it a poignant reminder of love's enduring presence amid life's challenges.

Lastly, “The Blackout” combines a sense of urgency with a call to awareness, addressing both personal and societal challenges. This track echoes themes of resilience and defiance, much like “Lights of Home.” The lyrics speak to the need for clarity and the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. By highlighting the struggle to maintain hope in a chaotic world, “The Blackout” serves as a rallying cry for those navigating their own dark times, emphasizing the necessity of finding one’s voice and strength.

-

The Edge revealed that the original name of the song was "The Lights in Front of Me".

The song also features guest vocals from Haim, in part because it samples their song "My Song 5.

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"Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" song lyrics by U2

“Love Is Bigger Than Anything in Its Way” from U2’s Songs of Experience is a powerful anthem that captures the essence of love’s transformative and transcendent qualities. The song opens with a soaring melody that sets the stage for an exploration of love as a force that can overcome any obstacle. Bono's lyrics are infused with a sense of urgency and hope, inviting listeners to embrace the idea that love can triumph over adversity, fear, and division. 

Lines like “Love is bigger than anything in its way” serve as a profound declaration of faith in love’s ability to heal and unite, emphasizing its role as a beacon of light in dark times.

As the song progresses, the repetitive and anthemic structure reinforces its uplifting message. The chorus is both a celebration and a rallying cry, urging individuals to prioritize love in their lives and to recognize its potential to bridge divides. 

U2's instrumentation complements the lyrical themes, combining infectious rhythms with a rich soundscape that evokes a sense of joy and liberation. This exuberance contrasts sharply with the challenges of the world, such as social injustice, inequality, and personal struggles, suggesting that while these issues are daunting, love remains an unwavering force that can inspire change and resilience. 

Ultimately, “Love Is Bigger Than Anything in Its Way” stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of love, inviting listeners to embrace its power as they navigate the complexities of life. Through this song, U2 encourages a collective awakening to the necessity of love in overcoming the barriers that threaten to divide us, making it a timely and poignant anthem for a world in need of healing.

"Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" lyrics by U2 from Songs of Experience

The door is open to go through
If I could I would come too
But the path is made by you
As you're walking start singing and stop talking

Oh, if I could hear myself when I say
Oh, love is bigger than anything in its way

So young to be the words of your own song
I know the rage in you is strong
Write a world where we can belong
To each other and sing it like no other

Oh, if I could hear myself when I say
Oh, love is bigger than anything in it's way

If the moonlight caught you crying on Killiney Bay
Oh sing your song
Let your song be sung
If you listen you can hear the silence say
When you think you're done
You've just begun

Love is bigger than anything in its way
Love is bigger than anything in its way
Love is bigger than anything in its way


Songs that are confirmed on the track list of the SOE album thus far are The Black Out, You're The Best Thing About Me, and The Little Things That Give You Away.

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Bullet the Blue Sky Live 2017 lyrics from Jimmy Fallon

As U2 promote the Songs of Experience album, they did another stint on Jimmy Fallon to promote You're the Best Thing About Me and matched it with a revamped set of lyrics to their fan favourite song, Bullet the Blue Sky.

The lefties at Twitter incorporated will not be happy:

BTBS starts with the classic U2 lyrics but when Bono gets to the standard rant about USA meddling in the politics of another country, he ups the ante:

In the howlin' wind
Comes a stingin' rain
See it drivin' nails
Into the souls on the tree of pain.
From the firefly
A red orange glow
See the face of fear
Runnin' scared in the valley below.

Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue
Bullet the blue.

In the locust wind
Comes a rattle and hum.
Jacob wrestled the angel
And the angel was overcome.
You plant a demon seed
You raise a flower of fire.
We see them burnin' crosses
See the flames, higher and higher.

Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue sky
Bullet the blue
Bullet the blue

Suit and tie comes up to me
Face orange as a rose on a thorn bush
Skin as thin as orange crush
And he's peeling off those dollar bills
Slapping them down
One hundred
Two hundred

I can see those fighter planes

I can see those fighter planes

WMD in their veins


Ground shakes but the children can’t weep
Vaporized in a single tweet
The emperor rises from his golden throne
Never knowing, never BEING known
The lights are on the presidents home
Oh my god I’ve never felt so alone
Outside its America
Outside its America

In a far off palace in a far-fetched land
Another baby plays a baby grand
Fingers on the keys of a siren song
Finger on the button of oblivion
And all I can think of is my son

All I can think of is my son
He misses his ma, misses his da
And he runs
And he runs
And he runs
Into the arms of america

-
If you were wondering, the lyrical change is a reference to Donald Trump and that guy oppressing the people of North Korea.

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'American Soul' song lyrics + meaning interpretation by U2

“American Soul,” a standout track from U2's Songs of Experience, serves as a bold commentary on identity, nationalism, and the often tumultuous relationship between the ideals of America and its realities.

Bono’s lyrics unfold like a sermon, calling on the United States to reconcile its lofty ideals with its current reality.

The song is framed by a fiery spoken-word intro from Kendrick Lamar, who plays a satirical preacher delivering a warped version of the Beatitudes, marking the dissonance between America’s virtues and its vices. Bono digs deep into the nation's immigrant roots, emphasizing that America is not just a place but a "thought" that promises grace to those who seek refuge and acceptance.

It's a call to action, a plea for America to live up to its own legend.

At the heart of "American Soul" is a duality: it both celebrates the spirit of rock 'n' roll, that defiant, inclusive force that defined so much of American culture, while also critiquing the country's moral shortcomings. Bono declares, "You are rock and roll," aligning the struggle for justice and the fight for immigrant rights with the rebellious essence of the genre itself.

His use of "Refu-Jesus" is a powerful twist, equating the plight of refugees with a Christ-like suffering, calling on America to be their sanctuary.

This duality is further illustrated in lines that juxtapose the vibrancy of American culture with the darker aspects of its history, inviting listeners to reflect on their own complicated relationships with national identity.

American Soul lyrics by U2 from Songs of Experience

Blessed are the bullies
For one day they will have to stand up to themselves
Blessed are the liars
For the truth can be awkward

It’s not a place
This country is to be a sound
Of drum and bass
You close your eyes to look around
Look around, around
Look around, it’s a sound
Look around, look around
It’s a sound

It’s not a place
This country is to me a thought
That offers grace
For every welcome that is sought

You are rock’n’roll

You and I are rock’n’roll
You are rock’n’roll
Came here lookin’ for American Soul

It’s not a place
This is a dream the whole world owns
The pilgrim’s face
It had your heart to call her home

Hold on, brother John
Too many mothers weeping
Dream on, brother John
In your dreams you can’t be sleeping

You are rock’n’roll
You and I are rock’n’roll
You are rock’n’roll
Came here lookin’ for American Soul
American, American

Put your hands in the air
Hold up the sky
It could be too late
But we still gotta try

There’s a moment in a life
Where the soul can die
In a person, in a country
When you believe the lie
The lie, the lie, the lie

There's a promise at the heart
Of every good dream
It's a call to action
Not to fantasy

The end of the dream
The start of what's real
Let it be unity
Let it be community
For refugees like you and me
A country to receive us
Will you be my sanctuary
RefuJesus

You are rock’n’roll
You and I are rock’n’roll
You are rock’n’roll
Came here lookin’ for American Soul

You are rock’n’roll
You and I are rock’n’roll
You are rock’n’roll
Came here lookin’ for American Soul
American Soul, American Soul

Here's the lyric video:

“American Soul” aligns with the overarching themes of Songs of Experience, where Bono's personal reflections and societal critiques intertwine.

The song encapsulates the essence of U2's enduring mission: to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the beauty of human connection and resilience. By framing the narrative through the lens of love and longing, U2 creates a powerful statement that transcends borders, resonating with listeners who seek to reconcile their own experiences with the complexities of identity and belonging.

 
Kendrick Lamar also used a snippet of the song as a sample of his own song, XXX.

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'Songs of Experience' album lyrics + meaning by U2

Songs of Experience is the companion album to the Songs of Innocence album that U2 released to the world for free en-mass via Apple’s Itunes in 2015.

What a wild ride that was...

Prior to the release of that album, many U2 fans had expected the album to be called Songs of Ascent. This was based on comments from Bono in the lead up to the release. It never happened and this duo of albums appeared from the ether.

U2's Songs of Experience serves as a poignant reflection of the band’s evolution, channeling personal and universal themes that resonate with both the struggles and triumphs of life. Following the release of Songs of Innocence, this album represents a maturation of ideas, a meditative exploration of the dichotomies of innocence and experience inspired by William Blake's illustrated poems.

As Bono himself noted, the album is a deeply personal project, framed as a collection of letters addressed to people and places that hold profound significance for him. This thematic approach allows for an intimate dialogue not only with loved ones but also with the broader tapestry of human experience, imbuing each track with layers of meaning that extend beyond mere nostalgia.

The opening track, “Love Is All We Have Left,” introduces the overarching theme of vulnerability and resilience, echoing the sense of urgency that permeates the album.

The lyrics encapsulate a search for meaning amid chaos, a sentiment that feels particularly resonant in today’s tumultuous world. Bono's near-death experience and subsequent heart surgery undeniably influenced this quest for depth.

He expressed a desire to confront mortality head-on, emphasizing that the album's emotional gravity necessitated an upbeat tempo, juxtaposing the heavy themes with a defiant joy. This juxtaposition is particularly evident in “The Blackout,” where the raw energy of the music contrasts with a lyrical introspection that reflects on personal and collective struggles.

 
The album artfully navigates the interplay between innocence and experience, echoing the philosophical underpinning of Blake's work.

Songs like “You're the Best Thing About Me” and “American Soul” capture the fervor of love and identity against the backdrop of broader societal issues, blending the personal with the political. Here, Bono's letters act as vehicles for connection, addressing not just intimate relationships but also the complexities of nationality and faith.

The track “Get Out of Your Own Way” serves as a rallying cry for self-acceptance and liberation from internal and external obstacles. The lyrics challenge listeners to overcome their limitations, resonating with the album's aim to find joy in defiance amidst adversity.

Ultimately, Songs of Experience emerges not only as an exploration of personal narratives but also as a testament to the band’s enduring relevance. Bono's approach of writing as if he were already gone, inspired by the wisdom of Irish poet Brendan Kennelly, invites a fearless honesty that permeates the album.

Lyrics to U2’s Songs of Experience album

1. Love is all we have left
2. Lights of Home
3. You're The Best Thing About Me
4. Get Out of Your Own Way
5. American Soul
6. Summer of Love
7. Red Flag Day
8. The Showman (Little More Better) 
9. The Little Things that give you away
10. Landlady
11. The Blackout
12. Love is bigger than anything in its way
13. 13 (There is a light)

The bonus tracks for the deluxe vinyl edition include:

• Ordinary Love
• Book of Your Heart
• Lights of Home (St Peter's String Version)

The album was released on 1 December 2017.

What was the subject of Blake’s work? 

It was a collection of poems that reflected where the state of childhood 'innocence' was influenced by the world cutting in on childhood as 'experience. These being influences such as corruption, oppression by religious movements, state domination and the machinations of the dominant classes.

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