Every Breaking Wave - figuring out the lyrics

JoRu · 08-21-2010, 04:19 PM

The song has only been out there in the open for a few hours, but I think it's a good time to begin to figure out the lyrics for the entire song. I've tried my best to hear what the lyrics are, but I'll need some help to complete it.

This is not finished in any way obviously, so in some places it may be completely wrong and there are still a lot to uncover:

Through every wave on the shore
Doesn't ??? there will be one more
Every ??? knows that to lose
Is what you're really there for
Somewhere ???
Now I'm speaking to the ??? phone

Like every ??? on the breeze
???

Hey now
Hey now
I don't know if I'm that strong
I don't know if I'm that strong
Don't know if I'm that strong
To be somebody, to need someone

Every sailor knows that the sea
Is a friend made enemy
Every shipwreck sold knows what it is
To live without intimacy
I thought I heard the mast ???
We tried to listen ???

Like every broken wave on the shore
This was as far as I could reach

Hey now
Hey now
I don't know if I'm that strong
I don't know if I'm that strong
I don't know if I'm that strong
To be somebody, to need someone

???
Where are the rocks
To drown it is no sin
And you know my heart is
The same place yours has been
We know the fear will win
So we end before we begin

Oh, oh
Oh, oh

???
Where are the rocks
To drown it is no sin
And we all know my heart is
The same place yours has been
We know the fear will win
So we end before we begin

Here's a link to the song if you want to listen to it: http://twaud.io/BkS

So, let's begin everybody.

GibsonGirl · 08-21-2010, 05:52 PM

My attempt:

Every breaking wave on the shore
Tells the next one there'll be one more
Every gambler knows that to lose
Is what you're really there for

Somewhere I was fearless [???]
Now I'm speaking to an answerphone
And every [flowering leaf?] on the breeze
[Winter wouldn't be there long?]

Hey now
Hey now

I don't know if I'm that strong
I don't know if I'm that strong
Don't know if I'm that strong
To be somebody to need someone

Every sailor knows that the sea
Is a friend made enemy
And every shipwrecked soul knows what it is
To live without intimacy

I thought I heard the master's voice
It's hard to listen while we preach
Like every broken wave on the shore
This was as far as I could reach

Hey now
Hey now

I don't know if I'm that strong
I don't know if I'm that strong
Don't know if I'm that strong
Enough to be somebody who needs someone

[The waves know we're on the rocks?]
And drowning is no sin
You know my heart is the same place yours has been
We know fear wins, so we end before we begin

Oh oh oh oh...
Oh oh oh oh...

[Waves know we're on the rocks?]
And drowning is no sin
And we all know my heart is the same place yours has been
We know that fear wins, so we end before we begin

The first line of each of the final two stanzas is waaay too difficult to decipher. I think the rest of it is fairly accurate, though. Moving song.

dan_smee · 08-21-2010, 06:04 PM

Every breaking wave on the shore,
Tells the next one there'll be one more,
Every gambler knows that to lose,
Is what you're really there for.

Some are ?? fearlessness
Now I'm speaking to an answer phone
Like every ?? leaf on the breeze
Winter wouldn't leave it alone

Hey now, hey now
I don't know if I'm that strong
I don't know if I'm that strong
Don't know if I'm that strong
To be somebody to need someone

Every sailor knows that the sea
Is a friend made enemy
And every shipwrecked soul knows what it is
To live without intimacy

I though I heard the masters voice
It's hard to listen while you preach
Like every broken wave on the shore
This was as far as I can reach

Hey now, hey now
I don't know if I'm that strong
I don't know if I'm that strong
Don't know if I'm that strong
To be somebody to need someone

The waves know we're on the rocks
And drowning is no sin
And you know my heart is
The same place yours has been
And we know the fear of winning
So we end before we begin

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oooooooo

The waves know we're on the rocks
And drowning is no sin
And you know my heart is
The same place yours has been
And we know the fear of winning
So we end before we begin

buzzkill27 · 08-21-2010, 09:07 PM

well done Gibson and Dan...think you've nailed almost all the lyrics there

Jeannieco · 08-21-2010, 09:10 PM

I am floored by this song.
I feel like Bono has been living in my soul or something.
Those lyrics are incredible. They make me cry...

Wow.

purpleoscar · 08-21-2010, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan_smee

Some are ?? fearlessness
Now I'm speaking to an answer phone
Like every ?? leaf on the breeze
Winter wouldn't leave it alone

It's a hard one.

Some are (all/our) fearlessness
Now I'm speaking to an answer phone
Like every silent leaf on the breeze
Winter wouldn't leave it alone

Just my guess.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeannieco

I am floored by this song.
I feel like Bono has been living in my soul or something.
Those lyrics are incredible. They make me cry...

Wow.

I know. It's like fear of death or loss keeping you from going forward. It's dark without being depressing. It's almost serene.

Catman · 08-21-2010, 09:17 PM

It really is a pretty heavy number, and it definitely should not be relegated to NLOTH b-side material. If the band has other tunes in a similar thematic vein, by all means, reeeleeeaaaaase theeeemmm

purpleoscar · 08-21-2010, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catman

It really is a pretty heavy number, and it definitely should not be relegated to NLOTH b-side material. If the band has other tunes in a similar thematic vein, by all means, reeeleeeaaaaase theeeemmm

They did want to keep it in but hopefully they felt thematically there was enough other songs it could fit with better. If this is the tip of the iceberg I agree. Release SOA!

Jeannieco · 08-21-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purpleoscar

It's a hard one.

Some are (all/our) fearlessness
Now I'm speaking to an answer phone
Like every silent leaf on the breeze
Winter wouldn't leave it alone

Maybe it's "SUM" of all our fearlessness???

And I think you are right .... Silent leaf on the breeze

My other guess would be "SUMMER" leaf on the breeze???

Who knows? He wasn't sure of himself there...

I bet he made some of them up on the fly...

purpleoscar · 08-21-2010, 10:34 PM

I could be Bongolese.

ozeeko · 08-22-2010, 12:28 AM

I think the first two lines of the song are two of the best lines Bono has written since after POP.

Every breaking wave on the shore
Tells the next one there'll be one more

I don't even know what that means, but it sounds heavy, and I fucking love it, haha!

stratocaster · 08-22-2010, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeannieco

Maybe it's "SUM" of all our fearlessness???

And I think you are right .... Silent leaf on the breeze

My other guess would be "SUMMER" leaf on the breeze???

Who knows? He wasn't sure of himself there...

I bet he made some of them up on the fly...

Sounds a bit like "summerhouse fearlessness"

dyami · 08-22-2010, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeannieco

I am floored by this song.
I feel like Bono has been living in my soul or something.
Those lyrics are incredible. They make me cry...

Wow.

same here, have been playing it over and over again since last night
have the same feeling as when i heard moment of surrender en orginal of the species the first time. very touching and goes right in my heart and soul!

JoRu · 08-22-2010, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan_smee

Some are ?? fearlessness

That line is hard, that's for sure.

Sounds like "Somewhere I was fearlessness", but that obviously wouldn't work grammatically. Hopefully they'll play it soon again, I can honestly not hear what it is.

Swan269 · 08-22-2010, 10:15 AM

i love the HEY HEY NOW...so fuckin awesome. Crowd singing that along with him would be amazing.

Purplereign · 08-22-2010, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeannieco

I am floored by this song.
I feel like Bono has been living in my soul or something.
Those lyrics are incredible. They make me cry...

Wow.

this

like

at first listen . . . hearing it yesterday morning (my time) I felt my stomach drop and was covered in gooseys . . . it is just such a gorgeous song

(it was on repeat for the better part of my Sunday)

thanks for taking the time to put down the lyrics

Jeannieco · 08-22-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purplereign

this

like

at first listen . . . hearing it yesterday morning (my time) I felt my stomach drop and was covered in gooseys . . . it is just such a gorgeous song

(it was on repeat for the better part of my Sunday)

Me too. I can't stop listening to it!

mama cass · 08-22-2010, 05:59 PM

it tugs at the heartstrings this one and leaves you with a hollow feeling in your tummy

'RoomOnFire · 08-22-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mama cass

it tugs at the heartstrings this one and leaves you with a hollow feeling in your tummy

It really does. I think theyre onto something special with this.

zooropop40 · 08-22-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'RoomOnFire

It really does. I think theyre onto something special with this.

I cannot think of any other band, that has been around as long as U2 has, and that has the ability to write absolutely hauntingly beautiful songs and melodies consistently throughout their careers... and then can still write more. unbelievable.

Thanks Larry for posting that flier at school. Seriously.

08-21-2010, 04:19 PM	#1
JoRu Refugee Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gallifrey Posts: 1,068 Local Time: 12:54 AM	Every Breaking Wave - figuring out the lyrics The song has only been out there in the open for a few hours, but I think it's a good time to begin to figure out the lyrics for the entire song. I've tried my best to hear what the lyrics are, but I'll need some help to complete it. This is not finished in any way obviously, so in some places it may be completely wrong and there are still a lot to uncover: Through every wave on the shore Doesn't ??? there will be one more Every ??? knows that to lose Is what you're really there for Somewhere ??? Now I'm speaking to the ??? phone Like every ??? on the breeze ??? Hey now Hey now I don't know if I'm that strong I don't know if I'm that strong Don't know if I'm that strong To be somebody, to need someone Every sailor knows that the sea Is a friend made enemy Every shipwreck sold knows what it is To live without intimacy I thought I heard the mast ??? We tried to listen ??? Like every broken wave on the shore This was as far as I could reach Hey now Hey now I don't know if I'm that strong I don't know if I'm that strong I don't know if I'm that strong To be somebody, to need someone ??? Where are the rocks To drown it is no sin And you know my heart is The same place yours has been We know the fear will win So we end before we begin Oh, oh Oh, oh ??? Where are the rocks To drown it is no sin And we all know my heart is The same place yours has been We know the fear will win So we end before we begin Here's a link to the song if you want to listen to it: http://twaud.io/BkS So, let's begin everybody. __________________

08-21-2010, 05:52 PM	#2
GibsonGirl ONE love, blood, life Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 13,270 Local Time: 07:54 PM	My attempt: Every breaking wave on the shore Tells the next one there'll be one more Every gambler knows that to lose Is what you're really there for Somewhere I was fearless [???] Now I'm speaking to an answerphone And every [flowering leaf?] on the breeze [Winter wouldn't be there long?] Hey now Hey now I don't know if I'm that strong I don't know if I'm that strong Don't know if I'm that strong To be somebody to need someone Every sailor knows that the sea Is a friend made enemy And every shipwrecked soul knows what it is To live without intimacy I thought I heard the master's voice It's hard to listen while we preach Like every broken wave on the shore This was as far as I could reach Hey now Hey now I don't know if I'm that strong I don't know if I'm that strong Don't know if I'm that strong Enough to be somebody who needs someone [The waves know we're on the rocks?] And drowning is no sin You know my heart is the same place yours has been We know fear wins, so we end before we begin Oh oh oh oh... Oh oh oh oh... [Waves know we're on the rocks?] And drowning is no sin And we all know my heart is the same place yours has been We know that fear wins, so we end before we begin The first line of each of the final two stanzas is waaay too difficult to decipher. I think the rest of it is fairly accurate, though. Moving song. __________________

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08-21-2010, 06:04 PM	#3
dan_smee ONE love, blood, life Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 14,052 Local Time: 09:54 AM	Every breaking wave on the shore, Tells the next one there'll be one more, Every gambler knows that to lose, Is what you're really there for. Some are ?? fearlessness Now I'm speaking to an answer phone Like every ?? leaf on the breeze Winter wouldn't leave it alone Hey now, hey now I don't know if I'm that strong I don't know if I'm that strong Don't know if I'm that strong To be somebody to need someone Every sailor knows that the sea Is a friend made enemy And every shipwrecked soul knows what it is To live without intimacy I though I heard the masters voice It's hard to listen while you preach Like every broken wave on the shore This was as far as I can reach Hey now, hey now I don't know if I'm that strong I don't know if I'm that strong Don't know if I'm that strong To be somebody to need someone The waves know we're on the rocks And drowning is no sin And you know my heart is The same place yours has been And we know the fear of winning So we end before we begin Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oooooooo The waves know we're on the rocks And drowning is no sin And you know my heart is The same place yours has been And we know the fear of winning So we end before we begin

08-21-2010, 09:07 PM	#4
buzzkill27 War Child Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Washington D.C. Posts: 664 Local Time: 07:54 PM	well done Gibson and Dan...think you've nailed almost all the lyrics there

08-21-2010, 09:10 PM	#5
Jeannieco Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: If the moonlight caught you crying on Killiney Bay oh sing your song let your song be sung Posts: 4,992 Local Time: 04:54 PM	I am floored by this song. I feel like Bono has been living in my soul or something. Those lyrics are incredible. They make me cry... Wow.

08-21-2010, 09:17 PM	#7
Catman Rock n' Roll Doggie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 3,614 Local Time: 05:54 PM	It really is a pretty heavy number, and it definitely should not be relegated to NLOTH b-side material. If the band has other tunes in a similar thematic vein, by all means, reeeleeeaaaaase theeeemmm

08-21-2010, 10:34 PM	#10
purpleoscar Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: In right wing paranoia Posts: 7,613 Local Time: 04:54 PM	I could be Bongolese.

08-22-2010, 12:28 AM	#11
ozeeko Refugee Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,420 Local Time: 11:54 PM	I think the first two lines of the song are two of the best lines Bono has written since after POP. Every breaking wave on the shore Tells the next one there'll be one more I don't even know what that means, but it sounds heavy, and I fucking love it, haha!

08-22-2010, 10:15 AM	#15
Swan269 Rock n' Roll Doggie Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: HawkMoon Posts: 3,695 Local Time: 07:54 PM	i love the HEY HEY NOW...so fuckin awesome. Crowd singing that along with him would be amazing.

08-22-2010, 05:59 PM	#18
mama cass Rock n' Roll Doggie VIP PASS Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 6,293 Local Time: 12:54 AM	it tugs at the heartstrings this one and leaves you with a hollow feeling in your tummy