[Bridge]
You say love is a temple, love a higher law
Love is a temple, love the higher law
You ask me to enter but then you make me crawl
And I can’t be holding on to what you got
When all you got is hurt
There are so few Bridges in songs which you could argue supersede the Verses and Chorus, because they are otherwise known as ‘fillers’, however I believe today’s track is an exception to the rule.
In September’s post of U2’s All I Want is You, I wrote how my favourite song by the band is One and that post was forthcoming. Well the day has arrived. Ironically the song came when the group were on the verge of breaking up over the direction of U2’s sound and the quality of their material. Feeling trapped and exhausted by their own success at the close of the 1980s, U2 took a leaf out of David Bowie’s book and looked for the future in Berlin, at Hansa Studios.
During the album Achtung Baby’s recording sessions they achieved a breakthrough with the improvisation of One; the song was written after the band members were inspired by a chord progression that guitarist the Edge was playing in the studio. The lyrics, written by lead singer Bono, were inspired by the band members’ fractured relationships. However, One wasn’t finished until the very last night of the album sessions, 11 months after that first improvisation in Berlin.
[Verse 1]
Is it getting better
Or do you feel the same?
Will it make it easier on you
Now you got someone to blame?
[Chorus]
You say one love, one life
When it’s one need in the night
One love, we get to share it
Leaves you, baby, if you don’t care for it
[Verse 2]
Did I disappoint you
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without
[Chorus]
Well, it’s too late tonight
To drag the past out into the light
We’re one, but we’re not the same
We get to carry each other, carry each other
One
The following is sourced from the BBC Culture One article below:
“The concept of oneness is of course an impossible ask,” Bono says. “Maybe the song works because it doesn’t call for unity. It presents us as being bound to others whether we like it or not. ‘We get to carry each other’ – not ‘We got to carry each other’. ‘We’re one but we’re not the same’ allows room for all the differences that get through the door.”
One raises the fundamental question of whether a song’s meaning is fixed when it is written and recorded, or whether, provided it is flexible enough, it can continue to acquire new resonances indefinitely. Who gets to say what a song really means? One is so powerful because of, not despite, its insoluble ambiguity. The rolling beauty of the music means that it is both angry and wounding and warm and healing.
“If I was to pick one song which encapsulates everything about who and what we are, it would have to be One,” drummer Larry Mullen Jr once told me. “Every time I hear it or play it, it connects.”
Reference:
1. One (U2 song) – Wikipedia
2. Why U2’s One is the ultimate anthem – BBC Culture
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Excellent. One.
Yeh, I’ve heard worse hehe
A gorgeous song!
It’s evocative and wholesome, but elusive I find. Great combination.
Oh yes!!!!
YesMaamree
Cool band! Hope all is good for you Matt. Just off to bed so catch you another time! Sharon
I liked there stuff up to early 90’s; not so much after when Bono went off and did a Bob Geldoff save the world thing, but otherwise they were a game changer back then. Have a great night sleep Sharon. Until next time.
That’s about right, they were an early 90s band. Thank you for your kind wishes. After the last night I have had, I need a restful sleep. Tell you about it another time! X
‘Give me something to talk about’ – Just like the song! I’ll be awaiting more details of your eventful evening haha
Hi Matt, yes so my ‘eventful evening’ turned out to be a trip to my local emergency room! I had some troubles with my heart (of all things). I am OK now (fingers crossed). Hope all is well for you. Kind regards.
Oh Sharon. I’m sorry to read that. I hope the ticker is on the mend and wish you a speedy recovery. Thank you for your kind thoughts. Stay well!
Hi Matt, you’re so funny!! I haven’t heard the word ‘ticker’ in decades! That made me laugh. Thank you so much for your kind words. Catch you again, and again! Your London Correspondent.
You made me laugh also by London Correspondent lol I hope today’s song ‘Only You’ brightens things up. Love Matt
Thank you Matt for your kind words. They certainly cheer me up! Best wishes.
Ahh Matt, that Xmas video is so cute!! Thank you!
When he came out and did a Christmas album, we were all rounding up to scoff him. But golly did he get it right, as usual.
That would be a great album! I assume he writes most of his stuff. Sounds like he would!
I don’t think there is an original song on it. TBH it’s not in his upper catalogue of albums, but its nice to turn on round XMAS.
Hi Matt, yes I agree! Cute!
How good is Theodora’s latest?
Great poem and so original! Love it!
I like it alottt!