doctorwho said:
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IMO, Bono's lryics are just as good now, but they aren't as universal. Not every song is a "One" in how it can be interpreted. Also, it's nice to see Bono have some fun with lyrics, like in "Elevation". The result was a rocking song that is fantastic in concert. Sometimes U2 came across as too serious and songs like that really heighten and lighten the mood. Plus, it's a song about finding God - how much better can that get?
First off, I'm not saying he didn't have some lyrical missteps in the past - that goes without saying. But to say his lyrics aren't as universal now seems a little off to me. Just look at "Window in the Skies."
"Oh can't you see what love has done to every broken heart"
"Oh can't you see what love has done for every heart that cries"
It's a pretty simple and universal song about love and the heartache that can come with it. What bothers me most though is how simple and generic his lyrics come off as nowadays. The metaphors and imagery from earlier albums are gone. Where are the poetic and mysterious lyrics of "Lemon" (Lemon, see through in the sunlight)? Where are the daring outcries of "Zoo Station" (I'm ready, I'm ready for the laughing gas)?
I think the subject matter is fine. If Bono wants to keep writing about love and God, that's fine - he's been doing it for most of his career. But at least try to spice it up a little bit.
Also, the rhyming in "Window in the Skies" specifically seems really lazy to me, though that might be more a personal gripe. The "rhapsodize" line seems really forced (sidenote: coincidence that Rhapsody was exclusively handling the Saints single?
), and for the love of love Bono, not every line has to end with a perfect rhyme. Loose rhymes are your friend. Use them. And going beyond that, NOT EVERY LINE OF THE SONG HAS TO RHYME. What a concept! But I digress..
I'm not hating on the song as a whole, as I think it has a pretty nice melody and arrangement, but eek. Those lyrics just really hamper my enjoyment of the song, and I didn't even mind the "Elevation" lyrics that much.