so, it's been what, a week and change?
this song has grown on me the most. i don't care enough to try to rank the new songs yet, but I find myself coming back to this one more than the others.
Definitely has grown on me the most.
I didn't hate it when I first heard it but I was far from impressed. The lyrics seemed cheesy and disjointed. The music seemed uninspired and derived from plenty of other post 2000 U2 songs (BD & Always being the best examples).
I can't explain entirely what changed, but it's clicked with me. The lyrics now seem genuine and inspired, if not the absolute greatest they've ever written. I'm really starting to like the chorus with the backing "oohs" and the live performance did wonders for it in my mind.
Speaking for myself, anytime I see these self help, kind of broad personal and political hybrid lyrics from Bono, I tend to roll my eyes and discount them. I look at it scientifically and with objectivity. I think after my initial tepid impression, I took a step back, put the song on the shelf for a little while and came back to it with new ears. I saw the lyrics in a new light- a simple and maybe obvious light to others, but new to me. I thought "you know, given the themes of this album and what we've heard from multiple interviews, this fits with what Bono is genuinely feeling now in his life."
I'd rather have that than an attempt at being abstract that he's not really feeling. I'd say Unknown Caller, but I'm sure a lot of us could pick our own NLOTH track for an example of this. See also writing in the third person- which, save for MOS, in my mind, came off very awkward and forced even in good songs like Breathe.
Plus, there's some truly resonant lines in this song. For our current times and for all time.
The one I keep coming back to it "Love has got to fight for its existence."
You see that more and more as you age. Political & social progress that advances equality and respect is not a given. Even more so, personal relationships take work and commitment to sustain. Of course we all know this, but I think what sets it apart is the "fight" imagery Bono uses. Really drives home that this life takes courage and the willingness to face adversity and stand up for what you believe in. You may have to stand up to the bully- who could be at work or in political office. You are going to have to face nerves and your own fear of rejection "get out of your own way" if you're going to try and initiate a relationship with someone.
A fight, a struggle for love. It's the kind of hard as a rock, gritty love U2 have been writing about for years.
