last unicorn said:That's what I like about these lyrics: they show both sides of the country, the good and the bad. It's not moralizing, just telling various aspects of the country's story.
The lyrics have Bono's personal experience in it, as well as historical metaphors. It's quite a story to tell, I like it. And the lyrics were written back then, so that was Bono's way of expressing what he experienced in Ethiopia. I find it very honest, yet poetic.
Are you sure the lyrics were written back then and not just written now? If he'd already written the lyrics, it wouldn't have been that hard to sing them, no? It sounds so much like a new Bono song. Then again, it could just be the way he sings it.
I DO remember liking American Prayer, though, just not the kids at the end, but they should maybe work on that.