It features 12⁄8 time signature and has The Edge playing a heavily distorted tremolo.
U2's approach to recording Achtung Baby had been to "throw out" all that they knew, to work with music they didn't know, in a place (Berlin) that they didn't know, and to re-arrange roles and responsibilities within the band. This was an alienating experience for long-time collaborator and producer Daniel Lanois, particularly on recording "Acrobat". Bono described him as trying get the band to play to their strengths while Bono was trying to experiment and play to their weaknesses.
Lyrically, it is one of the most personal on Achtung Baby with Bono acknowledging personal weakness, contradictions, and inadequacy. Bono's long standing friend, artist Gavin Friday, suggests its chorus "Don't let the bastards grind you down" is aimed at the press.
It is the only song from the album that was never played live, but was rehearsed in acoustic form for the opening shows of Zoo TV: Outside Broadcast Tour rehearsals in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Acrobat
U2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't believe what you see
If you just close your eyes
You can feel the enemy
When I first met you girl
You had fire in your soul
What happened your face
Of melting in snow
And you can swallow
Or you can spit
You can throw it up
Or choke on it
And you can dream
So dream out loud
You know that your time is coming 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down
No, nothing makes sense
Nothing seems to fit
I know you'd hit out
If you only knew who to hit
And I'd join the movement
If there was one I could believe in
Yeah I'd break bread and wine
If there was a church I could receive in
'Cause I need it now
To take a cup
To fill it up
To drink it slow
I can't let you go
I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And don't let the bastards grind you down
Oh, it hurts baby
(What are we going to do now it's all been said)
(No new ideas in the house and every book has been read)
And I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And you can find
Your own way out
You can build
And I can will
And you can call
I can't wait until
You can stash
And you can seize
In dreams begin
Responsibilities
And I can love
And I can love
And I know that the tide is turning 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down
The song Acrobat by U2 is a reflection on the disillusionment and uncertainty that can come with success and fame. The lyrics warn against believing everything you hear and see, as there are often hidden agendas at play. The opening lines advise us to close our eyes to better sense the enemy within ourselves.
The second verse expresses frustration towards society and its many contradictions. The singer acknowledges that nothing makes sense and nothing seems to fit, making it impossible to conform to societal rules. He also alludes to the desire for unity and belonging, yet suggests he cannot find a social movement or religious institution to embrace because he does not believe in them.
The final section seemingly speaks to finding hope in self-love, perseverance, and creativity. The lyrics urge listeners to dream out loud and not give in to the pressure of others who may try to grind them down. The song feels like a personal rallying cry, and while the lyrics may be slightly ambiguous in meaning, they ultimately inspire us to be self-reliant, strong, and creative in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't believe what you hear
One should not blindly trust rumors or gossip.
Don't believe what you see
Appearances can be deceiving and one should not jump to conclusions based on looks alone.
If you just close your eyes
You can feel the enemy
By distancing oneself from distracting sight, one becomes more aware of their surroundings and can detect possible threats.
When I first met you girl
You had fire in your soul
What happened your face
Of melting in snow
Now it looks like this
The person being addressed used to be full of life and energy but has since become emotionally cold and distant.
And you can swallow
Or you can spit
You can throw it up
Or choke on it
One has the power to either accept or reject something, and there are consequences to both choices.
And you can dream
So dream out loud
You know that your time is coming 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down
One is free to have aspirations and express them publicly, and should not allow negative individuals to discourage them.
No, nothing makes sense
Nothing seems to fit
I know you'd hit out
If you only knew who to hit
The world feels confusing and out of place, and the person being addressed wants to take action but is not sure who to direct their efforts towards.
And I'd join the movement
If there was one I could believe in
Yeah I'd break bread and wine
If there was a church I could receive in
'Cause I need it now
The person being addressed is searching for a meaningful cause to support, or a sense of community to belong to.
To take a cup
To fill it up
To drink it slow
I can't let you go
I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
The person being addressed is trying to balance conflicting emotions and identities, and it is a difficult juggling act.
And you can find
Your own way out
You can build
And I can will
And you can call
I can't wait until
You can stash
And you can seize
In dreams begin
Responsibilities
And I can love
And I can love
And I know that the tide is turning 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down
Encouragement to find one's own path in life, to take action and make things happen. Dreams are the first step towards taking responsibility, and love is the driving force that helps one through difficult times. Negative individuals will not win in the end.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul Hewson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hiroya168japan
Don't believe what you hear
Don't believe what you see
If you just close your eyes
You can feel the enemy
When I first met you girl
You had fire in your soul
What happened your face of melting in snow?
Now it looks like this
And you can swallow
Or you can spit
You can throw it up
Or choke on it
And you can dream
So dream out loud
You know that your time is coming 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down
No, nothing makes sense
Nothing seems to fit
I know you'd hit out
If you only knew who to hit
And I'd join the movement
If there was one I could believe in
Yeah I'd break bread and wine
If there was a church I could receive in
'Cause I need it now
To take the cup
To fill it up
To drink it slow
I can't let you go
I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And don't let the bastards grind you down
Oh, it hurts baby
What are we going to do? Now it's all been said
No new ideas in the house and every book has been read
And I must be an acrobat
To talk like this
And act like that
And you can dream
So dream out loud
And you can find
Your own way out
And you can build
And I can will
And you can call
I can't wait until
You can stash
And you can seize
Responsibilities
And I can love
And I can love
And I know that the tide is turning 'round
So don't let the bastards grind you down
@korban814
I have been listening to U2 for about 30 years and I can say without apology that this is their GREATEST song.
@NinjaSagaAwsomness
Just tell me about it. I need to hear!
@zakarialaouira
One of the best songs ever
@marianavazquez885
I'm commenting from 2023. This song remains amazing.
@rogermahajan7586
The hardest rock song U2 has ever done and certainly one of the very very best they have ever done. Achtung Baby is their best album ever.
@Derwichmusique
Bullet the Blue Sky, Exit, Like a Song and GOD Part II are more "rock" IMO
live versions of the Fly, Until the End of the World and No Line on the Horizon (for exemple) are also powerfull !
@rogermahajan7586
Anthony .Derwich Acrobat is as hard rock as they come and one of the greatest songs of all times.
@p4eli4katamaq85
You are right.
@videos4mydad
I agree Achtung Baby is my favorite U2 album.
@er406
Agreed.