coolian2
Blue Crack Supplier
You like what I tell you to like.
and what do i like today boss?
You like what I tell you to like.
The Archies
People tell it the way it is! You know if this song was from anyone other than U2 you would say it stinks. The song STINKS! You have not heard any reviewers say anything good about the new album other than it is different. Different doesn't mean good. Let's all admit that U2 finest hours
are over and have been for over a decade. They now live off their prior glory. The last few albums were all garbage. Let's don;t feed the egos of these 4 arrogant washed up rockers by saying their new stuff is great when it junk.
In the interest of totally dodging the flame war going on, let's take a turn in direction...
...Because we've hit a point in this thread where we're talking about the song's "substantive lyrics" (or lack thereof), allow me to post my thoughts on the lyrics:
I think the song is much deeper than what people read into. It's not just a "rock song", it's something more than that. "Some Days Are Better Than Others" was throwaway, this is actually quite deep.
It's a condemnation of war and terrorism tactics, as well as the media and public reaction to it. Bono's "never seen a moon like this", where things are as dark as they are. Because, though he lived through the Vietnam War and the troubles in Ireland, there was political action being demanded from the public. We're living in times where, at least in America, the youth is largely indifferent to anything political (before you youngsters try and tell me I don't know what I'm talking about, I'm 22. And I am definitely ashamed of the apathy of my generation.)
"Satan loves a bomb scare" is definitely a reference to suicide bombers/the WMD issue of the Iraq War. "Sexy boots", as stated above, is super sarcastic, implying army boots. But I think it's a double sided image: the image of army boots, and soldiers fighting.
But also the image that Bono stated in 2004: "these are not sandals on my feet. I'm no hippie. These are boots. I come from punk rock." The "boots" seem to be those punk rock boots, it's Bono urging the public to "Get their boots on" and get involved, politically.
"The future needs a big kiss" because we've never seen times like this. Times are dark and things need to get better quickly.
I find "fun fair" to be sarcastic as well. Bono seems to be mocking the idea that the youth is generally uninterested in politics and have become intensely materialistic. Anyone who turns on MTV at any hour of the day can see this. "Satan loves a bomb scare but he won't scare you" means that terrorists are aiming to drive fear into the hearts of citizens, but the youth doesn't care because they don't pay attention. The only people scared by terrorists are people Bono's age because they're the only ones paying attention!
"You free me from the dark dream: candy, floss, ice cream." It's a condemnation of how bubblegum the music scene has become. Bono grew up with Dylan, with "Fortunate Son", and other huge political anthems. The United States, in particular, is in the throes of a massive recession and war and what are the young people listening to? "Got Money", "Stacks on deck, Patron on ice, you can have whatever you like..." It's all materialistic, bubblegum shit. The kids go nuts for it but "the ghosts aren't real", as in the songs have no substance.
Bono seems to make one last plea for the youth: "Let me in the sound." As in "listen to us. Let us in the debate. Let's get political. Forget about the Womanizer, forget about the Patron you have on ice, forget about the lollipops. We're here to talk about important stuff - LISTEN to us, or people like us."
He stated that on this record, they'd be going for the younger crowd. I don't think he just means in terms of sonic quality, but in lyrical content as well.
WOW quite as I read the song. The boots thing is also an interesting issue ... very nice written and i agree with what you wrote.
I also agree. That was a great interpretation.
yes that one bit also attracted my attention. It doesn't seem connected, but maybe it's about the international war trades. Then it would fit in. But the connection with women of the future...Just a couple of new points:
A lot of people will be judging this song from FM radio on shit speakers or headphones - the subtleties and nuances will be lost and it might indeed seem like Vertigo 2
Does anyone think this bit was cut and pasted together? The "submarine" line seems totally disconnected from what comes before it in theme and vocal:
Women of the future
Hold the big revelations
[paste]
I got a submarine
You got gasoline
yes that one bit also attracted my attention. It doesn't seem connected, but maybe it's about the international war trades. Then it would fit in. But the connection with women of the future...
The ending is seriously cool.
I have to say that every part kicks ass
The bridge and the ending are the best part of the song.