Obviously I know the band u2. Everyone knows the band U2, and I like the songs of their’s that I’ve heard. And I now all about Bono’s humanitarian efforts. But I’ve never really gotten into u@ in a big way, so I’ve never really paid attention to the lyrics, so I never really knew that Bono’s Christian faith is important to him; important enough to show up in his lyrics on a regular basis. Thankfully, a long article from Deseret News headlined The biggest band in the world is also one of the most spiritual has cleared that up for me.
The article goes through too many examples of religious themes in the music across many of the bands albums for me to list here, and easily enough to convince me that–like songwriting from Brandon Flowers of The Killers–the religious themes are deeply intertwined with their music. Looks like I’ve got a lot of listening to do.
Very few people pay attention to the lyrics of any songs, but U2’s songs are quite explicit at times. The third verse of “When Loves Came to Town” is about the crucifixion of Jesus (and once you realize “God is Love” the song makes a lot more sense) and one song is called “Yahweh” (that one is my favorite U2 song).
I actually listen carefully to lyrics all the time… for music that I like. The problem is, U2 was so popular that I assumed they couldn’t possibly have anything useful to say. I’ve learned, as I grow older, to drop the pretentious anti-popularity pose, but I guess I never revisited some of the assumptions that I formed at that time.
Serves me right.
On the plus side, I’m really excited to start listening to U2 afresh now, and possibly find another band I can really get into both musically and lyrically.
Two thoughts after reading the article: (1) eight or nine years ago I listened to an extensive Rolling Stone interview with Bono in which he discussed Christianity and spirituality which he described it as a way to center himself, a way to remind him that the world is bigger than he is and he’s not at the center of it – a way to maintain humility. I think of it often and that same idea is one thing that keeps me going in the church despite my many apprehensions; and (2) the Deseret News printed the word “MOFO”?!?!
Now you need to do a post with your top 10 bands.
“There is a crucial difference between rebellion and resentment — John Paul II makes that distinction in Love and Responsibility. Rebellion is good and healthy, and a lot of rock and roll is rebellious. “Gimme Shelter” is a song about rebellion. U2’s music is very Christ-conscious rebel music. Unlike resentment, which attacks the good itself, rebellion calls for a more just and loving world. A lot of rap is pure resentment, whereas old soul music is both beautiful and rebellious.” – Mark Judge
http://www.realclearreligion.org/articles/2011/05/03/mark_judge_the_realclearreligion_interview_106246.html