Red Flag Day Appreciation Thread

[ndmaxfield]

Best song on the album. To me, this is mature U2 mastering and elevating early U2 so wonderfully.

 

[PowerSurge]

Well upon further research, the Red Flag that Bono references can have multiple meanings...

1. Red Flag Warning - Is a Weather term for very hot weather and possibly turbulent seas. don't quote me on this one. Hence, the repeated references to getting in the water and getting out of town during the worst weather where possibly no one would see you. Who knows?

2. Red Flag Significance - Very prominent with Communist and Socialist countries as a symbol of their nations. Could be referencing the oppressing leadership in the countries where all of these refugees are fleeing. Who knows?

Either way, its catchy as hell and I continue to sing it at the top of my lungs in my car

 

[andrewau2]

This song is a standout track.

What brings it to the next level is the contrast between the energetic music and the depressing lyrics once I figured out what the song was about.

A red flag day means don't go into the water because it is too dangerous. So I was wondering why the line "Baby let's get in the water." Why would someone risk it? Unless the alternative choice (not getting in the water) was even worse.

Then it clicked. This song goes well with Summer of Love. They are both about Syrian refugees trying to escape the death in their country. Red Flag Day is about a lover convincing his loved one to go in the water to leave their country even though they will probably die in the process. Hence why "I can feel your body shaking." I originally thought the shaking was like dancing, but when I figured out the song, I realized it is shaking in fear of death.

In interviews, Bono has spoken about the refugees getting on makeshift rafts to escape only to die..."Not even news today, So many lost in the sea last night, One word that the sea can’t say is no, no, no..."

The opening lines show the desperation of wanting to escape Syria to save his loved one.

"I am made of all that I'm afraid of
Most afraid of losing you
Hell's the season
You're the reason that I even dreamt of getting through"

 

[Roland of Gilead]

This and SOL are killing me with their joyous beach going sounds and dark depressing lyrics.

 

[Airseven]

Sounds like a solid early REM track.

 

[DeVaul]

Very Springsteen-esque move to couch a depressing story in uplifting music (in this case modernized surf rock) to really drive the sting in. I'd love to hear a retro/less glittery mix of this. Is this the tour we'll finally get Drowning Man?

 

[Scorpionac]

Is this the tour we'll finally get Drowning Man?

That's a great idea, pairing it with Red Flag Day.

 

[cjboog]

Just finished first listen... Red Flag Day is a killer song! Definitely a contender for my favorite on the album. Can’t wait to see this live!! Great combination of catchy, rocking, and a kind of bittersweet/desperate vibe. Agree with those who say it’s an update to the War style. But so tastefully done. Excellent!

 

[purpleoscar]

I love the soundscape where you can feel like riding on waves supported by synthesizers in the background and harmonies.

 

[DomCobb]

Amazing song. I see everyone comparing it to War, and that definitely makes sense in terms of the vocals (especially the backing harmonies), but the guitar/drums/bass is mostly reminding me of pre-Boy, particularly "Touch." Love it.

 

[Phalanx]

Red Flag Day feels like a demo they've had leftover from Boy or War....especially when Edge sings backup on the chorus - each time he does I could swear I am listening to War.

 

[U2freakboy]

Amazing song. In my top 3 or 4 for sure. They’ve brought War into 2017.

Sting’s All This Time (one of my favorite songs) also combines an uplifting sound with dark lyrics.

 

[Psychobabble]

Unbelievable song - so much energy and life to it. One of my favorites. I wish it could become a huge hit, but, sadly, won't because of the baggage and age of the band.

What band at this late stage is making music like this?

Not many bands have lasted this long in their original incarnation. Right now, Rush is the only other one I can think of.

 

[Psychobabble]

Red Flag Day feels like a demo they've had leftover from Boy or War....especially when Edge sings backup on the chorus - each time he does I could swear I am listening to War.

Very similar processing of The Edge's vocals in this song and Sunday Bloody Sunday, which adds to the sense of nostalgia.

 

[womanfish]

Not many bands have lasted this long in their original incarnation. Right now, Rush is the only other one I can think of.

Ok, I’m going to shut down this avenue of discussion before it spirals out of control. Please continue on discussing Red Flag Day.

I mean no offense Psycho, but I’m doing everyone a favor.

 

[Psychobabble]

This song is a standout track.

What brings it to the next level is the contrast between the energetic music and the depressing lyrics once I figured out what the song was about.

A red flag day means don't go into the water because it is too dangerous. So I was wondering why the line "Baby let's get in the water." Why would someone risk it? Unless the alternative choice (not getting in the water) was even worse.

Then it clicked. This song goes well with Summer of Love. They are both about Syrian refugees trying to escape the death in their country. Red Flag Day is about a lover convincing his loved one to go in the water to leave their country even though they will probably die in the process. Hence why "I can feel your body shaking." I originally thought the shaking was like dancing, but when I figured out the song, I realized it is shaking in fear of death.

In interviews, Bono has spoken about the refugees getting on makeshift rafts to escape only to die..."Not even news today, So many lost in the sea last night, One word that the sea can’t say is no, no, no..."

The opening lines show the desperation of wanting to escape Syria to save his loved one.

"I am made of all that I'm afraid of
Most afraid of losing you
Hell's the season
You're the reason that I even dreamt of getting through"

This song also works well on a metaphorical level ....the danger of loving and losing someone.

 

[Psychobabble]

Ok, I’m going to shut down this avenue of discussion before it spirals out of control. Please continue on discussing Red Flag Day.

I mean no offense Psycho, but I’m doing everyone a favor.

No offense taken....just a side comment not meant to derail. Back to talking about this great song.

 

[womanfish]

This song also works well on a metaphorical level ....the danger of loving and losing someone.

I totally agree and I prefer to listen to it from that angle. Saying, relationships can get rough, like the water, but let’s swim out into it together, go beyond where we’ve been.

 

[womanfish]

No offense taken....just a side comment not meant to derail. Back to talking about this great song.

There have been some thread killing Rush/U2 situations. Hate to see it again. Lol.

Ps. Love your posts. One of the best new additions around.

 

[Psychobabble]

There have been some thread killing Rush/U2 situations. Hate to see it again. Lol.

Ps. Love your posts. One of the best new additions around.

Appreciate that.

 

[purpleblackeye]

You mean that Red Flag Day doesn’t remind anyone of Tom Sawyer?

[emoji848]

 

[Psychobabble]

You mean that Red Flag Day doesn’t remind anyone of Tom Sawyer?

[emoji848]

You're going to get me in trouble now.

 

[purpleblackeye]

You only made a factual statement. Not sure what the problem is but I wasn’t around for the whole Rush thing. No clue what happened.

Anyway, let’s carry on....Never get tired of Red Flag Day!

 

[dudeman]

This is gonna be amazing live.

 

[onemoresolo]

I really like Little Things but it sounds like what I would expect a good U2 song to sound like at this stage of the band. This on the other hand is so fresh and sounds great, one of their best songs in a very long time IMO. Reminiscent of War days but brought right up to date. The chorus is so tight.

 

[allcub]

well upon further research, the red flag that bono references can have multiple meanings...

1. Red flag warning - is a weather term for very hot weather and possibly turbulent seas. Don't quote me on this one. Hence, the repeated references to getting in the water and getting out of town during the worst weather where possibly no one would see you. Who knows?

2. Red flag significance - very prominent with communist and socialist countries as a symbol of their nations. Could be referencing the oppressing leadership in the countries where all of these refugees are fleeing. Who knows?

Either way, its catchy as hell and i continue to sing it at the top of my lungs in my car

 

[super fly guy]

This song gets better with every listen,was out walking the dog with my headphones on singing out loud to this. Then I realise there are people behind me giving me very funny looks!lol

 

[Flaming Friar Sr]

This song is a standout track.

What brings it to the next level is the contrast between the energetic music and the depressing lyrics once I figured out what the song was about.

A red flag day means don't go into the water because it is too dangerous. So I was wondering why the line "Baby let's get in the water." Why would someone risk it? Unless the alternative choice (not getting in the water) was even worse.

Then it clicked. This song goes well with Summer of Love. They are both about Syrian refugees trying to escape the death in their country. Red Flag Day is about a lover convincing his loved one to go in the water to leave their country even though they will probably die in the process. Hence why "I can feel your body shaking." I originally thought the shaking was like dancing, but when I figured out the song, I realized it is shaking in fear of death.

In interviews, Bono has spoken about the refugees getting on makeshift rafts to escape only to die..."Not even news today, So many lost in the sea last night, One word that the sea can’t say is no, no, no..."

The opening lines show the desperation of wanting to escape Syria to save his loved one.

"I am made of all that I'm afraid of
Most afraid of losing you
Hell's the season
You're the reason that I even dreamt of getting through"

This. Part with ‘Not in the news today. So many lost in the sea last night’ seals it.

 

[purpleblackeye]

Not sure if I will ever get tired of this song. One of their very best in a long time.

 

[Alphorn]

Well upon further research, the Red Flag that Bono references can have multiple meanings...

1. Red Flag Warning - Is a Weather term for very hot weather and possibly turbulent seas. don't quote me on this one. Hence, the repeated references to getting in the water and getting out of town during the worst weather where possibly no one would see you. Who knows?

2. Red Flag Significance - Very prominent with Communist and Socialist countries as a symbol of their nations. Could be referencing the oppressing leadership in the countries where all of these refugees are fleeing. Who knows?

Either way, its catchy as hell and I continue to sing it at the top of my lungs in my car

Some of the reviewers can't wrap their heads around how you can have a catchy "love song" like Summer of Love morph into Aleppo, and how a fun "pop" tune like RFD also morphs into Aleppo. They seem like clunky transitions to some of the reviewers, but the fact that they transition so easily is what makes these songs so brilliant. Once again, they've tricked listeners into thinking the songs are about one thing, when they are about another (or at least about more than one thing).