CFYT is absolutely brilliant, one of the standout songs on the album.
You guys haven't talked much about the meaning of the song--IMO in addition to the amazing musical elements the other factor which greatly elevates this song to that standout level. The lyrics are absolutely genius, when you think about the subject matter.
This song is about the 1st vs the 3rd world, and the mockery that is aid to the 3rd world.
From the brightest star
Comes the blackest hole
*in a world of the wealthiest nations continues to persist the most extreme poverty*
You had so much to offer
Why did you offer your soul?
*the 1st world can do so much to help the third, but in reality offers nothing more than its soul, ie, promises/pledges/intentions*
I was there for you baby
When you needed my help
*i presume alluding to whatever moments the 3rd world has tried to help the 1st (anti-terrorism contributions, intellectual contributions, etc.)*
Would you deny for others
What you demand for yourself?
*genius line: 1st world denies what it considers necessities (health care, infrastructure, food, etc) to nations in need*
Cool down mama, cool off
Cool down mama, cool off
*perhaps referring to a mother cognizant of stark reality and angered over the selfishness of the 1st world and the unpromising future for her children*
You speak of signs and wonders
I need something other
*the 3rd world knows very well of the successes and triumphs of the 1st world, but needs more than just talk of it*
I would believe if I was able
But I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
*the most obvious line: 3rd world would believe in all these promises but in reality is still waiting for merely leftovers from the 1st"
You were pretty as a picture
It was all there to see
*photo op of a western politician shaking hands with a 3rd world leader and the promise of help--everything looks nice and rosy*
Then your face caught up with your psychology
*external appearance finally reflected what was truly in mind, ie, action bared the true soul and intentions of the 1st world*
With a mouth full of teeth
You ate all your friends
*the 1st world with a smile on its face proceeded to plunder and consume the resources of the 3rd*
-- as a sidenote, the added sinisterness of the low voice-over in "you at all your friends" is yet even more genius!!!
And you broke every heart thinking every heart mends
*1st disregarded the 3rd and its promises to it, and went on thinking it will be ok*
You speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
But I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
Where you live should not decide
Whether you live or whether you die
*another genius line, of course, self-explanatory, the essence of this song*
Three to a bed
Sister Ann, she said
Dignity passes by
*poor health care, dignity is not possible and is lost in these conditions*
And you speak of signs and wonders
But I need something other
I would believe if I was able
I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table
So that is my analysis and why I think this song is genius. Lyrics are tremendously meaningful without be damned contrived and trite (a la POE).
The only thing I can't reconcile is the sound/feeling of the song. Overall it feels very positive, when you might think the subject matter is sad and negative. But actually right now as I'm listening to it, probably the more accurate and overwhelming description of the song is a feeling of *urgency* equally along with an earnest and *nonbegrudging hopefullness* for fulfillment of earlier promises. Quite a good characterization of Bono's work as well. GENIUS!!!!!!!!